Copycat Masters Pimento Cheese: Best 10 Minute Recipe

You do not need a ticket to Augusta to enjoy the world’s most famous golf snack. For decades the pimento cheese sandwich has been a staple of the Masters Tournament known for its simple yet addictive flavor and incredibly low price. I have spent years perfecting this recipe to ensure it captures that exact creamy and tangy and slightly chunky texture you expect from the original. This version brings the tradition of the green jacket right into your kitchen and I am so excited for you to try it.

Why You Will Love This Copycat Masters Pimento Cheese

This recipe delivers the iconic flavor profile that fans crave every April. You will love how it balances the sharpness of the cheddar with the smoothness of the cream cheese. It is a versatile spread that works perfectly on white bread or crackers or even as a topping for a grilled chicken sandwich. Making it at home allows you to control the quality of the ingredients while keeping the spirit of the tournament alive in your own home.

Ingredients for Copycat Masters Pimento Cheese

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded by hand
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded by hand
• 4 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup high quality mayonnaise
• 4 ounces diced pimentos thoroughly drained
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper for a tiny kick
• Salt and black pepper to taste

The Cheese Base

The secret to the perfect texture lies in the cheese. Please avoid the pre shredded bags found at the grocery store. Those contain anti caking agents that prevent the cheese from binding properly with the mayonnaise and it just won’t be the same. Grate your own cheese from a block for a much creamier result that tastes way better.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Copycat Masters Pimento Cheese

Follow these simple steps to create your spread. It only takes about 15 minutes of prep but you need to let it chill for an hour.

• In a large mixing bowl beat the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise together until the mixture is completely smooth.
• Stir in the onion powder and garlic powder and cayenne pepper until the spices are evenly distributed.
• Fold in the hand shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
• Gently stir in the drained pimentos. Be careful not to over mix because you want the pimentos to remain visible.
• Taste it and add salt or pepper if you think it needs it.
• Cover the bowl and put it in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving so the flavors can really meld together.

Achieving the Perfect Texture

A common point of confusion is whether the spread should be smooth or chunky. The authentic version is actually a mix of both. By using a combination of finely and coarsely shredded cheese you achieve a spread that holds together but still has a satisfying bite. If the mixture feels a little too stiff just add one extra tablespoon of mayonnaise to loosen it up.

Expert Tips for Copycat Masters Pimento Cheese

To get the most authentic experience you have to serve this on plain and inexpensive white bread. Do not toast the bread because the soft texture of the bread against the creamy cheese is part of the whole tradition. Also make sure your pimentos are very well drained. If they carry too much liquid the spread will become watery and lose its vibrant orange color which we definitely do not want.

Storage Guidelines for Copycat Masters Pimento Cheese

Store your pimento cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to five days. I think the flavors actually improve after the first 24 hours so it is an excellent make ahead dish for parties. Do not freeze this spread because the mayonnaise and cream cheese will separate when they thaw out and the texture will be ruined.

Nutritional Information for Copycat Masters Pimento Cheese

This data is an estimate per 2 tablespoon serving.

• Calories: 145 kcal
• Total Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 190mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 5g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a food processor?

You can use a food processor to pulse the ingredients together for a smoother texture but be careful not to turn it into a paste. The Masters style is traditionally more textured and hand mixed so I prefer doing it by hand.

What can I use instead of Monterey Jack?

If you cannot find Monterey Jack a mild white cheddar or even Gouda works well. The goal is to have a creamy and melt in your mouth cheese to balance the sharp cheddar.

How do I serve this at a party?

While white bread is the classic way to go this spread is fantastic served in a bowl surrounded by celery sticks or butter crackers or even slices of smoked beef brisket for a really hearty snack.

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