Creamy Smoky Bacon Pimento Cheese

Elevate your taste buds with our incredibly rich and smoky Bacon Pimento Cheese, a beloved Southern classic reinvented for ultimate flavor! This isn’t just any cheese spread; it’s a culinary masterpiece crafted with a luxurious blend of creamy mayonnaise, the sweet nuttiness of Gouda, the sharp tang of aged cheddar, and generous bits of crispy, hickory-smoked bacon. Every single bite delivers a symphony of textures and a depth of savory, cheesy goodness that will leave you craving more. Perfect as an appetizer, a sandwich spread, or a versatile ingredient, this homemade pimento cheese recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Crafting the Perfect Smoky Bacon Pimento Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide

Embark on your journey to create an unforgettable Bacon Pimento Cheese spread. This recipe combines simple steps with high-quality ingredients to deliver a truly sensational dish.

Step 1: Achieving Perfectly Crispy Bacon

The star of this recipe, beyond the cheese, is undoubtedly the bacon. For optimal results, you’ll need a 12-ounce package of regular-cut hickory-smoked bacon, which typically yields 12-16 strips depending on the brand. The key is to cook it until it’s wonderfully crisp, then crumble it into small, flavorful pieces. While you can use your preferred cooking method, baking bacon in the oven is highly recommended for its consistent results and minimal mess.

To prepare your bacon for baking, line a rimmed sheet pan with aluminum foil for effortless cleanup. Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer across the pan. While a slight overlap is acceptable since the bacon will be chopped after cooking, try to leave a small amount of space between strips to promote even crisping. If necessary, divide the bacon between two separate pans to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming rather than crisping.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the bacon for approximately 12 to 20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispness and is beautifully golden brown. Baking times can vary significantly based on the specific brand of bacon and the nuances of your oven, so it’s wise to start checking on it early to prevent it from burning, especially if you’re using thinner-cut strips.

Once cooked to perfection, carefully transfer the crispy bacon strips to a plate or another baking sheet lined with a double layer of paper towels. This allows excess grease to drain away, ensuring your bacon crumbles remain crisp. After the bacon has cooled sufficiently to handle comfortably, use a sharp knife to chop it into small, uniform crumbles. These little nuggets of flavor will be distributed throughout your pimento cheese.

Chef’s Tip: Reclaiming Bacon Fat. Don’t discard that flavorful bacon fat! Once it has cooled slightly but is still liquid, carefully strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean mason jar. Store the jar in the refrigerator, where it will solidify into a versatile cooking fat. Bacon fat adds an incredible depth of flavor to many dishes, from savory country gravies and sautéed green beans to a richer cornbread. Use it as a substitute for butter or oil in recipes where a smoky, rich undertone is desired.

Step 2: Blending the Bacon Pimento Cheese Spread

With your bacon prepared, it’s time to assemble the creamy, irresistible base for your pimento cheese. In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients to create a foundation bursting with flavor:

• Mayonnaise: The choice of mayonnaise is paramount for authentic Southern pimento cheese. We highly recommend Duke’s Mayonnaise, a Southern staple known for its rich, tangy flavor and perfectly creamy texture. If Duke’s is unavailable in your region, opt for another high-quality “real” mayonnaise brand, such as Hellmann’s (known as Best Foods in some areas). Avoid using salad dressings like Miracle Whip, as they are typically sweeter, lower in fat, and contain different emulsifiers, which will alter the intended flavor and texture of your spread.
• Essential Seasonings: A carefully selected blend of spices and sauces forms the backbone of this pimento cheese’s savory profile. Add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for a deep umami kick, a teaspoon of onion powder, a teaspoon of granulated garlic powder, and half a teaspoon of smoked paprika. For those who love a bit of heat, this is the stage to incorporate half a teaspoon of ground chipotle powder and a quarter teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper, which will provide a delightful warmth and a subtle smoky spice.
• Hickory Liquid Smoke: Just a small splash – typically an eighth to a quarter teaspoon – of hickory liquid smoke is a secret weapon that significantly deepens the smoky essence of this spread. We prefer Wright’s brand because it is made purely from water and smoke flavor, without additional ingredients like molasses or vinegar that could alter the pure smoky taste. Adjust the amount based on how smoky your Gouda cheese already is.

Once your seasoned mayonnaise base is thoroughly mixed and smooth, it’s time to fold in the remaining star ingredients: the shredded cheeses, drained pimentos, and the majority of your crispy bacon crumbles. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the bacon crumbles for a beautiful garnish when serving.

• The Perfect Cheese Blend: Our preferred combination for this recipe is a harmonious mix of smoked Gouda and cheddar cheese. Two cups (8 ounces) of shredded smoked Gouda provide a creamy texture and a wonderfully sweet, nutty, and distinctly smoky flavor. Complementing this is one cup (4 ounces) of shredded sharp or extra-sharp cheddar. You can choose yellow or white cheddar based on your aesthetic preference; we often opt for yellow extra-sharp cheddar as its bold, tangy flavor beautifully balances the creamy, subtly sweet notes of the Gouda, and provides a lovely color contrast.
• Diced Pimentos: You’ll need one standard 4-ounce jar of diced pimentos. It’s crucial to drain them very well to prevent excess moisture from making your spread watery. However, don’t discard all the liquid immediately; keep a small amount aside. If your local grocery store doesn’t consistently stock diced pimentos, sliced or whole pimentos work perfectly fine—simply chop them yourself to the desired size.

Gently fold all the ingredients together with a rubber spatula until they are just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can affect the texture of the cheese. This recipe yields a thick, luxurious, and spreadable pimento cheese. If, however, you find the mixture to be too stiff for your liking, you can gradually add a small splash (about ½ to 1 teaspoon) of the reserved pimento liquid. This will help to loosen the consistency slightly, allowing you to achieve your ideal spreadable texture. Remember that consistency can vary slightly depending on your specific ingredients and how well the pimentos were drained.

Versatile Ways to Serve Your Bacon Pimento Cheese

This smoky, savory Bacon Pimento Cheese is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in countless ways, making it perfect for any occasion from a casual snack to an elegant gathering. Its rich flavor and creamy texture invite creativity!

The simplest and most classic way to enjoy this spread is by spooning the mixture into an elegant serving bowl and topping it with your reserved crumbled bacon. Serve it alongside a selection of buttery crackers – favorites like Ritz, Town House, or Club crackers are ideal – for an effortlessly delicious and casual snack. It’s an absolute hit for game day, potlucks, or just a relaxing evening at home.

For a delightful twist on a traditional sandwich, spread a generous, thick layer of this pimento cheese onto soft white bread to create a smoky, elevated pimento cheese sandwich. Alternatively, invigorate your Southern Tomato Sandwich by swapping out the plain mayonnaise for a luxurious schmear of our Bacon Pimento Cheese, adding an incredible depth of flavor.

Beyond the basics, this Bacon Pimento Cheese truly shines with these easy and creative serving ideas:

1. Fresh Veggies: Transform it into a vibrant dip for an assortment of crisp vegetables. Celery sticks, colorful bell pepper strips, refreshing cucumber rounds, or sweet cherry tomatoes are all excellent choices. There’s something particularly satisfying about pairing this rich dip with fresh, crunchy veggies, especially those harvested from a backyard garden during the summer months.
2. BLT Reinvented: Take your Bacon-Lettuce-Tomato sandwich to a new level. Instead of standard mayo, spread a generous amount of Bacon Pimento Cheese onto toasted bread, then layer with crisp lettuce and juicy sliced tomatoes. The added smoky cheese provides an incredible upgrade.
3. Grilled Cheese Upgrade: Elevate a simple grilled cheese sandwich into a gourmet experience. Use this pimento cheese in place of your usual cheese for a smoky, gooey, and utterly delicious creation that’s far beyond the ordinary.
4. Burger Topper: For an indulgent and flavorful burger, add a generous scoop of Bacon Pimento Cheese on top of a hot burger patty just before serving. The warmth from the burger will gently melt the cheese, infusing the entire dish with irresistible smoky, cheesy goodness.
5. Deviled Egg Filling Booster: Introduce an unexpected burst of flavor to your deviled eggs. Stir a spoonful or two of this Bacon Pimento Cheese into your deviled egg filling. If you’re using our Classic Deviled Eggs recipe, start with about 2 tablespoons and adjust to your taste. Keep in mind that incorporating the cheese will make the filling chunkier, so it won’t be suitable for piping; simply spoon it elegantly into your egg whites.

Other Delightful Homemade Spreads to Explore

If you’ve enjoyed creating and savoring this Bacon Pimento Cheese, you might love exploring more of our homemade spread recipes. Each offers a unique flavor profile perfect for various occasions.

• Deviled Ham
• Black Olive Tapenade
• Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Smoky Bacon Pimento Cheese Recipe

This Bacon Pimento Cheese is a bold twist on the classic appetizer spread! Made with sharp cheddar, smoked Gouda, crispy bacon, mayo, and a customizable blend of spices, it’s rich, smoky, and full of flavor in every bite.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 14 servings (1/4 cup each)

Ingredients

For the Pimento Cheese

• 12 ounce package hickory smoked bacon (regular-cut)
• 1-1/2 cups good quality “real” mayonnaise (preferably, Duke’s)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon hickory liquid smoke (depending on how smoky your Gouda is)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 cups smoked Gouda, shredded (8 ounces)
• 1 cup sharp or extra-sharp cheddar, shredded (4 ounces)
• 4 ounce jar diced pimentos, drained (with a little bit of the liquid reserved)

Optional: To Make it Spicy

• ½ teaspoon ground chipotle powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Instructions

Part 1: Cook the Bacon

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed half-sheet pan with foil.
2. Arrange the bacon in a single layer on the baking sheet. It’s fine if the strips overlap slightly, but avoid stacking them to ensure they cook evenly.
3. Bake for 12–20 minutes, until the fat has rendered and the bacon is crisp and golden. Cook time will vary by oven and bacon thickness, so begin checking early to prevent overcooking.
4. Carefully transfer the cooked bacon to a double layer of paper towels to drain excess fat. Once cooled, chop the strips into small crumbles.

Part 2: Mix the Pimento Cheese

1. While the bacon cooks and cools, shred both the Gouda and cheddar cheeses using the large holes of a box grater or the shredding disc on a food processor.
2. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. If you desire a spicy spread, also add the ground chipotle powder and cayenne pepper at this stage. Mix until smooth.
3. Fold in the shredded cheeses, the well-drained pimentos, and all but 2 tablespoons of the crumbled bacon. Mix gently until all ingredients are well combined.
4. The spread will naturally be thick. If it seems too stiff for your preference, stir in ½ to 1 teaspoon of the reserved pimento liquid to slightly loosen the texture. This step may or may not be necessary, depending on your ingredients and desired consistency.
5. Store the prepared Bacon Pimento Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best texture and flavor, allow it to sit at room temperature (covered) for 20–30 minutes before serving to soften.
6. Serve this delectable spread with buttery crackers, spread it onto white bread for a sandwich, or explore any of the creative ideas suggested in the “Serving” section above.

Notes

Bacon: Regular-cut bacon works best for this recipe, crisping nicely without becoming too chewy. If you’re mindful of sodium intake, Smithfield Lower Sodium Bacon has yielded excellent results in our test batches. Bacon strip count can vary by brand and thickness, even with standard cuts; divide between two pans if needed to avoid overcrowding.

Liquid Smoke: For the cleanest, purest smoky flavor, opt for a liquid smoke product made solely from smoke concentrate and water. Avoid brands that include molasses or vinegar, as these can introduce unwanted flavor notes.

Cheddar: Both sharp and extra-sharp cheddar are suitable. Your choice of yellow or white cheddar is entirely up to personal preference. We favor extra-sharp yellow cheddar for its robust flavor and the visually appealing contrast it provides against the Gouda.

Chipotle & Cayenne: These spices are essential for adding heat. Omit them entirely for a smoky spread with no spice. For a subtle smoky warmth without the sharper kick of cayenne, you can use only the ground chipotle powder.

This recipe is inspired by Southern Living’s Bacon Pimento Cheese.

Nutrition Estimate

Serving: 0.25 cup | Calories: 313kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.05g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 550mg | Potassium: 122mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 537IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 298mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Please note that our recipes have been developed using the US Customary measurement system and have not been tested for high altitude/elevation cooking and baking.