Vegan Pimento Cheese Recipe

What is pimento cheese? At its core, pimento cheese is a creamy spread made from shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and chopped pimiento (or “pimento”) peppers—often slathered on crackers, sandwiches or celery sticks. Though its popularity is deeply tied to Southern cuisine, the spread actually has roots in Northern U.S. food manufacturing in the early 20th century—before being embraced and firmly established as a Southern classic. In this vegan version, the familiar cheesy-pepper flavor is re-imagined without dairy or animal products, making it a fresh inclusive take on the tradition.

With creamy texture, tangy cheddar-style richness (via vegan cheese or nutritional yeast), and sweet-pepper brightness from the pimentos, this spread delivers both nostalgia and modern ingredient integrity. The original versions might have used cream cheese or soft cheese paired with canned pimientos and mayo. Here we lean into plant-based substitutes—such as cashew-cream, vegan cheese shreds or dairy-free mayo—and season to mimic that familiar bite. The idea is: you shouldn’t have to miss out just because you’re avoiding dairy.

Beyond flavor, the cultural story of pimento cheese is interesting. Known by fun monikers like “the pâté of the South” and “Carolina caviar,” the spread is woven into Southern food identity—served at picnics, tailgates, and family gatherings. By adapting it to vegan form, this recipe takes that heritage into a new, inclusive context, proving that comfort foods can evolve. Whether used as a dip, sandwich filling, or party spread, this vegan pimento cheese brings tradition, inclusivity and flavor to the table.

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Pimento Cheese

Recipe Details

Yield: 3 cups
Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Pimento Cheese Ingredients

• 2 roasted bell peppers
• 2 cups raw cashews, soaked overnight
• ½ cup water
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

How to Make Pimento Cheese

1. Add all ingredients to a food processor or high-speed blender and process until very smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes.
2. Scrape into a bowl and serve with crudites and crackers, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

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Pimento Cheese Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per serving (recipe yields 12 servings of 1/4 cup). Based strictly on Thrive Market’s ingredient amounts.

Serving Size	1/4 cup
Calories	≈ 180 kcal
Protein	≈ 6 g
Carbs	≈ 8 g
Sugar	≈ 2 g
Fiber	≈ 1 g
Fat	≈ 15 g

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Pimento Cheese Variations & Tips

• Use vegan cheddar shreds: Swap traditional shredded cheddar for a sharp vegan cheddar alternative to maintain the classic flavor profile.
• Make it nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter or soaked sunflower seeds instead of cashews if you need an allergy-friendly base.
• Spice it up: Add ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne to give it more Southern heat and depth.
• Herb-infused version: Stir in finely chopped chives or parsley for freshness and colour contrast in the spread.
• Change the pepper: Use roasted red peppers or jalapeños (if heat is desired) instead of mild pimentos for a different twist.
• Make a sandwich version: Spread thickly between vegan bread or wraps, add pickled onions and lettuce for a hearty vegan pimento cheese sandwich.
• Prep ahead: Let the spread rest in the fridge for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavours to meld and deepen.

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Best Pimento Cheese Pairings

• Gluten-free crackers or crudité: Serve the spread with gluten-free crackers, cucumber rounds, or celery sticks as a snack or appetizer.
• Vegan grilled cheese: Use the pimento cheese as filling for a vegan grilled cheese sandwich—serve with tomato soup for comfort food vibes.
• Plant-based burger topping: Spread atop a vegan burger or veggie burger to enhance flavour with a Southern twist.
• Gluten-free corn chips: Offer as a dip with tortilla chips or corn chips that are certified gluten-free for a relaxed game-day snack.
• Sparkling iced tea: Serve with a tall glass of iced tea—sweetened lightly with maple or agave—to balance the richness of the spread.
• Veggie tray upgrade: Add this spread to a veggie tray with carrots, bell pepper strips and radishes for a colourful, inclusive side at gatherings.

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When to Make Pimento Cheese

• Vegan potluck or buffet: Bring this spread to a gathering where dietary needs vary—it appeals to vegans, vegetarians and those avoiding gluten.
• Game day snack: Serve in a bowl with chips, bread and veggies while watching the game or hosting friends—simple yet crowd-friendly.
• Lunchbox upgrade: Pack it as a sandwich spread or dip in individual cups for a plant-based, flavorful lunch option.
• Tailgate or picnic: Use in a mason jar for transport, alongside crackers or veggies, perfect for outdoor events and inclusive snacking.
• Casual dinner party: Add it to your appetizer spread early, paired with wine and light bites, to set the tone for a relaxed yet thoughtful meal.
• Meal-prep make-ahead: Prepare the spread in advance, store in an airtight container in the fridge, and use it over several days for sandwiches, dips and snacks.

Recipe credit: Angela Gaines