Filipino cheese pimiento spread is a creamy, cheesy sandwich filling made with cheese, sweet pimientos, and mayonnaise.
It's so good on soft white bread or warm pandesal for merienda or a quick snack.
This easy recipe comes together in just 10 minutes using simple ingredients.
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Ingredients You'll Need
Notes and Substitutions
- Cheese: Processed cheese is the usual choice because it's creamy, a little salty, and easy to spread. Queso de Bola (Edam cheese) is also great if you have some, especially after the holidays. Cheddar works too if you want it sharper, or use American cheese for something milder and smoother.
- Pimiento: I use jarred pimientos because they're easy and already soft. Roasted red bell peppers or sweet peppers work too - just peel them so you don't get bits of skin in the spread.
How to Make Cheese Pimiento Spread (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Chop the pimientos
Finely chop the pimientos until you have about ½ cup.
Step 2: Grate the cheese
Finely grate the cheese until you have 2 cups.
This helps it mix in better and makes it easier to spread.
Step 3: Mix everything together
In a bowl, combine the grated cheese, chopped pimientos, and 1 cup mayonnaise.
Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
Step 4: Taste and adjust
Taste the spread and add a little honey or sugar, if you like it slightly sweeter.
If it feels too thick, mix in a little more mayonnaise. If it's too loose, add more grated cheese.
You can also add a pinch of salt, pepper, or paprika.
For a sweeter version, mix in a little finely chopped pineapple.
Serve your cheese pimiento spread with warm pandesal, sliced bread, or crackers.
Refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to use.
Recipe FAQs
Cheese pimiento is a creamy cheese spread made with grated cheese, pimientos, and mayonnaise. In the Philippines, it's usually used as palaman for bread or pandesal.
Pimiento is a type of small sweet red pepper with a mild flavor and bright red color. Jarred pimientos are usually used in spreads, sandwiches, and dips.
Yes. Roasted red bell peppers are a good substitute. Peel them first, then chop finely before mixing.
Processed cheese is the usual choice because it melts into the mayo nicely and gives that classic creamy, salty taste. Queso de Bola, cheddar, or American cheese also work.
Yes. It actually tastes better after chilling because the flavors have time to come together. Refrigerate until ready to use.
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📖 Recipe
Filipino Cheese Pimiento Spread
Equipment
- Grater
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated cheese processed cheese or Queso de Bola
- ½ cup chopped pimientos
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- Honey or sugar to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Paprika to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Finely chop the pimientos and grate the cheese.
- In a bowl, combine the cheese, pimientos, and mayonnaise. Mix until creamy and well combined.
- Taste and adjust with honey or sugar, if desired. Add more mayonnaise if too thick, or more cheese if too soft. Season with salt, pepper, or paprika, if you like.
- Serve right away, or refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to use.
Notes
- Cheese: Use processed cheese for a creamy, slightly salty spread. Queso de Bola, cheddar, or American cheese also work.
- Pimiento: Jarred pimientos are easiest. You can also use peeled roasted red bell peppers or sweet peppers.
Kris says
So easy to make and deliciousn thank you!
Nora Reyes says
Hi Kris! Thank you! =)