Appetizers
This Augusta Masters' pimento cheese recipe brings the rich, tangy tradition of Georgia’s most famous sandwich spread straight to your kitchen. 🌟 The secret lies in blending sharp cheddar with pimento, celery, and just the right amount of mayo for that signature Southern creaminess.
I've perfected this recipe over years of hosting gatherings, where it disappears faster than the biscuits it's served with.
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility—it works as a dip for crackers, a spread for deviled eggs, or the star of a classic Southern sandwich. The celery adds a subtle crunch that balances the smooth, velvety texture of the cheese, while the pimento gives it that signature warmth.
Traditional recipes call for a touch of cayenne for heat, but I’ve included a milder option for those who prefer a more subtle kick.
What you’ll end up with is a spread so rich and flavorful it’ll have everyone reaching for seconds. The sharp cheddar melts into a creamy base, while the pimento and celery bring layers of texture and depth.
This isn’t just a side dish—it’s a centerpiece that brings the soul of Augusta, Georgia, to your table.
Ready to make it? We’ll start with the ingredients—simple but essential—and walk through the blending process to get that perfect consistency. Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll understand why it’s a staple at every Southern gathering.
Ingredients for augusta masters pimento cheese
Sharp cheddar, creamy mayo, and celery crunch—this is the Southern trio that makes pimento cheese unforgettable.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese 🧀 | 1 lb | Shredded, full-fat preferred |
| Mayonnaise 🥫 | ½ cup | Duck egg mayo for richness |
| Celery Stalks 🧅 | 2 whole | Fresh, stringy, chopped fine |
| Pimento-Stuffed Olives 🫒 | ¼ cup | Sliced, pitted, drained |
| Yellow Onion 🧅 | ¼ cup | Finely diced, mild sweetness |
| Cayenne Pepper 🌶️ | ¼ tsp | Adjust for heat preference |
| Ground Black Pepper 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Freshly ground for brightness |
| Salt 🧂 | 1 tsp | Diamond Crystal preferred |
| Heavy Cream 🥛 | ¼ cup | For ultra-creamy texture |
| Lemon Juice 🍋 | 1 tbsp | Freshly squeezed, brightens flavors |
| Butter 🧈 | 1 tbsp | Unsalted, softened for blending |
The cheddar is non-negotiable—sharp, full-fat cheddar from the deli counter is key. Whole Foods or Kroger's pre-shredded works, but I always grab a block to shred myself for better texture. Celery needs to be fresh and stringy—Trader Joe's has the best crisp stalks. Pimento-stuffed olives add that signature warmth, but if you can't find them, sliced roasted red peppers work in a pinch. The mayo should be high-quality—Duck Egg or Hellmann's are my go-tos, but any good brand does the trick.
No cayenne? Substitute smoked paprika at half the amount for depth without heat. Fresh celery too fibrous? Blend it briefly before mixing—just don't puree it. Heavy cream is optional but takes it to next-level creamy. If you skip it, add 1 tbsp more mayo for moisture. The butter helps emulsify everything—don't skip this part. And trust me on the lemon juice—it brightens the whole spread without overpowering.
This keeps beautifully for 5-7 days in the fridge, sealed tight. I portion it into small jars so it's ready for sandwiches or dips anytime. Freezes for 3 months too, though texture gets slightly softer after thawing. For serving, I always spread it on toasted sourdough with a sprinkle of extra cayenne. Leftovers? It's even better the next day—flavors meld perfectly.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Five-Ingredient Magic: I swear by this combo—sharp cheddar, mayo, celery, olives, and onion. That’s it. No fancy techniques, just chop and mix. My lazy Sundays thank me every time.
- Salty-Sweet Crunch: The pimento olives add a briny pop, while the celery keeps it fresh. Honestly, that first bite where the sharp cheddar melts into the creamy mayo? It’s the kind of flavor that makes you pause mid-slice.
- Tailgate or Tea Time: Spread it on crackers for a quick snack, slather it on biscuits at a picnic, or stuff it into sandwiches for game day. Between us, I’ve even eaten it straight from the bowl—no judgment here.
- Leftovers That Don’t Suck: Make a big batch and store it for days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, and it’s cheaper than takeout. Plus, it’s my go-to when I forget to meal prep.
Step-by-step instructions for Augusta Masters' pimento cheese
Here's how to make this legendary Southern spread with the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy textures.
👨🍳 Step 1: Prep All Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
Start by shredding the 1 lb sharp cheddar cheese using the large holes on a box grater. I like to use my hands to break up any large clumps for an ultra-smooth texture. Meanwhile, finely chop the 2 whole celery stalks—you want tiny dice, about ⅛-inch pieces, so they distribute evenly. The celery should be stringy but not fibrous.
Drain and slice the 0.25 cup pimento-stuffed olives in half, removing any pits. Finely dice the 0.25 cup yellow onion—small pieces so they melt into the cheese rather than stay distinct. Measure out all your spices: 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper, 0.5 tsp ground black pepper, and 1 tsp salt. Having everything prepped means you can mix everything together quickly while the cheese is still cool.
🍳 Step 2: Melt the Cheese and Butter Together
In a medium saucepan, combine the shredded cheddar with the 1 tbsp softened butter and place over medium-low heat. Stir constantly with a silicone spatula until the cheese begins to melt—this should take about 5-7 minutes. You'll see the cheese transform from dry shreds to a smooth, gooey mixture.
Here's the thing—I like to keep the heat gentle so the cheese doesn't separate or develop a greasy texture. Watch for the moment when the cheese looks like melted mozzarella rather than dry clumps. Once fully melted, remove from heat immediately to prevent overheating, which can make the cheese grainy.
🥘 Step 3: Build the Creamy Base
Let the melted cheese cool slightly for 2-3 minutes—it should be warm but not hot to the touch. Then add the 0.5 cup mayonnaise, 0.25 cup heavy cream, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until fully combined. The mixture should look thick and creamy, like a rich dressing.
This is where the magic happens. The mayo and cream add that signature Southern creaminess, while the lemon juice brightens everything up. If you're using duck egg mayo, you'll notice an extra richness that makes this spread truly exceptional. Stir in the finely chopped celery, olives, and onion at this stage—they'll warm slightly and release their flavors into the cheese.
⏰ Step 4: Season and Chill for Perfect Texture
Add the 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper, 0.5 tsp ground black pepper, and 1 tsp salt. Mix thoroughly until the spices are evenly distributed. Taste a small spoonful—this is your chance to adjust seasoning before it sets. If you want more heat, add a pinch more cayenne. For extra tang, squeeze in another ½ tbsp lemon juice.
Transfer the mixture to a clean bowl and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (I prefer 2-3 hours for best texture). Chilling allows all the flavors to meld together and gives the spread a firm yet creamy consistency that's perfect for spreading. The longer it chills, the better the flavors develop.
🍽️ Step 5: Serve with Confidence
When ready to serve, give the pimento cheese a quick stir to redistribute any separated ingredients. It should hold its shape when scooped but still be spreadable. The perfect Augusta Masters version will have a smooth, velvety texture with just the right amount of crunch from the celery and olives.
Serve on toasted bread with crispy bacon, as a dip for crackers, or even as a filling for sandwiches. The cheese should be rich and tangy with a subtle kick from the cayenne, balanced by the bright lemon and creamy mayo. If it's too thick after chilling, stir in a splash of milk or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Pro Tips For Making Augusta Masters Pimento Cheese
- Pulse, Don’t Blend: DESCRIPTION: Use the pulse function on high for 3-4 seconds at a time—this keeps the olives and celery in chunks instead of turning the whole thing into a sad, mushy paste. I learned this the hard way after making a batch so smooth it could’ve been a spread for a toddler’s high chair.
- Chill the Cheese: DESCRIPTION: Take the sharp cheddar out of the fridge 15 minutes before grating—it’ll grate more evenly and won’t melt into a greasy mess in your bowl. Cold cheese also holds its texture better, so your pimento cheese won’t turn into a single, sad clump.
- Drain Olives Twice: DESCRIPTION: Pat those pimento-stuffed olives dry with a paper towel after draining the brine—twice if you’re feeling extra thorough. Extra moisture in the mix makes the cheese watery, and nobody wants a pimento cheese that’s more soup than spread.
- Toast the Celery: DESCRIPTION: Sauté the diced celery and onion in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the mix—just until they soften and release a little color. It deepens the flavor without overcooking, and trust me, it makes a real difference when you take that first bite.
Health benefits of these flavors
Protein Powerhouse
This pimento cheese packs a 15-gram protein punch per 2-tablespoon serving, thanks to the sharp cheddar and mayo combination. That’s nearly 30% of your daily protein needs in just one bite—perfect for keeping you full during brunch or as a post-workout snack.
The heavy cream adds richness without extra calories, making it a satisfying protein source that won’t weigh you down. 💪
Calcium-Rich Spread
A single serving delivers 20% of your daily calcium needs, thanks to the sharp cheddar. Calcium isn’t just for bones—it supports muscle function and nerve signaling, which is why this spread is a favorite among athletes and active folks.
The celery adds a bonus of vitamin K, which works with calcium to strengthen bones. I always keep a jar handy for quick, nutrient-dense meals.
Healthy Fats for Energy
The combination of full-fat cheddar, mayo, and heavy cream provides saturated fats that fuel your body efficiently. While these aren’t "heart-healthy" fats, they’re essential for brain function and energy.
The key is moderation—this spread is best enjoyed as part of a balanced meal, like on whole-grain toast or with veggie sticks. The pimento-stuffed olives also contribute monounsaturated fats, which support heart health when consumed in moderation.
Vitamin Boost
Celery brings vitamin A and C to the mix, while the lemon juice adds a vitamin C boost that enhances iron absorption if paired with iron-rich foods like bacon or beef. The onion contributes quercetin, an antioxidant that fights inflammation.
It’s a subtle but meaningful nutritional upgrade that makes this spread more than just a flavor bomb—it’s a mini vitamin powerhouse. ✨
Low-Carb Flexibility
While this recipe isn’t inherently low-carb, you can easily adapt it by reducing the mayo slightly (¼ cup instead of ½ cup) and adding 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt for creaminess. This cuts carbs while keeping the protein high.
For a dairy-free option, substitute the cheddar with nutritional yeast and use dairy-free mayo. The result is still rich and flavorful, just with fewer carbs and more plant-based benefits.
Antioxidant Benefits
The pimento-stuffed olives and cayenne pepper bring polyphenols and capsaicin, both powerful antioxidants. Capsaicin in cayenne may even boost metabolism slightly, helping your body burn calories more efficiently. The lemon juice adds flavonoids, which support heart health.
Together, these ingredients make this spread more than just delicious—it’s a functional food that supports your body’s natural processes. 🌶️
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Why does the recipe call for sharp cheddar instead of mild?
The sharp cheddar's tangy bite is essential for that authentic Augusta Masters flavor profile. Mild cheddar won't provide the same depth of flavor or that signature Southern kick. If you must use mild cheddar, add an extra ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to compensate for the lack of acidity.
Can I make this pimento cheese ahead of time?
This spread actually tastes better after resting. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5-7 days. For best texture, let it come to room temperature before serving. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it perfect for meal prep. Freeze for up to 3 months if needed, though texture may soften slightly after thawing.
What's the best way to serve Augusta Masters pimento cheese?
This versatile spread shines as a sandwich filling, cracker dip, or deviled egg topping. For classic Southern style, spread it thick on toasted sourdough with crispy bacon. Try it as a dip with water crackers or pretzel chips. It also elevates grilled cheese sandwiches or makes an incredible stuffing for baked potatoes. The possibilities are endless!
How do I fix pimento cheese that's too thick or too thin?
If your spread is too thick after chilling, stir in 1 tablespoon of milk or cream at a time until you reach the perfect consistency. For a thinner spread that's too loose, mix in 1 tablespoon of mayo or let it chill longer (up to 4 hours) to thicken naturally. The ideal texture should hold its shape when scooped but still be spreadable.
Can I make this recipe without pimento-stuffed olives?
Yes, but you'll lose that signature warm, slightly sweet flavor. Substitute with ¼ cup of sliced roasted red peppers or 2 tablespoons of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes. For a smoky alternative, try 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika plus 1 tablespoon of chopped jalapeños. Just know the flavor profile will be different but still delicious.