Palmetto Cheese vs. Pimento Cheese: What's the Difference?

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Growing up in the South, pimento cheese was always a staple in our house. It was cheap, easy to make, and made some of the best sandwiches around. I've been eating pimento cheese for as long as I can remember, and it's still one of my favorite Southern foods.

A while back, I came across a brand of pimento cheese that I had never tried before called Palmetto Cheese. I decided to give it a try, and wow! It was hands down the best store-bought pimento cheese I had ever tasted.

Made right here in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, Palmetto Cheese puts its own spin on this classic Southern spread. But what exactly is Palmetto Cheese, and how is it different from regular pimento cheese?

In this review, I'll share what makes Palmetto Cheese stand out, what I thought about the taste, and how it compares to the traditional pimento cheese I grew up eating.

What's the Difference Between Palmetto Cheese and Pimento Cheese?

If you've ever wondered what the difference is between Palmetto Cheese and regular pimento cheese, you're not alone. They're actually very similar.

Pimento cheese is a classic Southern cheese spread typically made with shredded cheese, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, and seasonings. Different families have their own versions, and some like to add cream cheese, jalapeños, or other ingredients.

Palmetto Cheese, on the other hand, is a brand of prepared pimento cheese that originated in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. It's known for its chunky texture and distinctive flavor.

The biggest difference is that Palmetto Cheese is a specific brand, while pimento cheese is the name of the Southern cheese spread itself.

If you'd rather make your own, I've got a Jalapeño Pimento Cheese Recipe that's easy to make at home and has a little extra kick from pickled jalapeños.

What is pimento cheese?

Some of you may be wondering what exactly pimento cheese is. Pimento cheese is a blend of cheese, usually a sharp cheddar combined with mayonnaise and pimento peppers.

Of Course, the type of mayonnaise used contributes to the different tastes achieved. Depending on the area, it could be Duke's mayonnaise, which most Southerners use, or Hellman's mayonnaise.

What sets most pimento cheese recipes apart is the spices that are used in them. Everyone has their secret spice they like to add to them. 

As stated above, this can vary from area to area of the South, but at the core, the ingredients listed above are the basics.

So why is this considered a Southern food then?

The history of pimento cheese is slightly cloudy. The research I have done has pointed to it originating from up North.

So why is this considered a Southern food then? First, pimento peppers were rare and expensive because they were imported.

The South's weather was the perfect environment to grow them, so once they started growing them here in the South, the pimento cheese spread was adopted as a Southern favorite. 

Ways to Eat Palmetto Cheese

One of the things I love about pimento cheese is how versatile it is. Here in the South, we eat it just about any way you can imagine. Of course, you can't go wrong with a good old-fashioned pimento cheese sandwich on white bread.

But sandwiches aren't the only way to enjoy it! You can spread it on a burger, make a grilled pimento cheese sandwich, or serve it as a dip with crackers. It also makes a great appetizer for parties and family gatherings.

You can even use pimento cheese in other recipes. Try adding it to homemade sausage balls or mixing it into a bowl of creamy Southern grits for a little extra cheesy flavor.

If you've never tried grits before, check out my guide on How to Cook Grits. I'll show you how we make them here in the South.

Another homemade version worth trying is my Smoked Gouda Pimento Cheese with Bacon. My buddy Trey shared this recipe with me, and the combination of smoked Gouda and bacon gives it a rich, smoky flavor. It's great served with crackers, on sandwiches, or as an appetizer for a get-together.

Palmetto Cheese has gained a following

Palmetto cheese is so good that it has gained a following of its own. It is now showing up in all sorts of recipes from the South up north. According to their website, "it is sold in over 10,000 locations across the United States now."

Furthermore, if your grocery store does not have it, you can ask them to get it or have Pawleys Island Specialty Foods ship it to you. Finally, make sure you watch the video below to see my taste test with the kids and me.

Pawleys Island Specialty Foods
PO Box 1481
Pawleys Island, SC 29585
1-888-406-9823

More Homemade Southern Sandwich Spreads You'll Love

If you love classic Southern sandwich spreads as much as I do, be sure to check out my Easy Homemade Sandwich Spread Recipes. I've rounded up some of my favorites, including homemade pimento cheese, Southern egg salad, and tuna salad. They're all great for a quick lunch, family gathering, or church get-together.

Frequently Asked Questions About Palmetto Cheese

​Thanks for stopping by Southern Food Junkie. It is our hope that you enjoy this recipe sharing it with friends, family, and coworkers. Make sure to take time to give thanks to the creator, God, by which all blessings flow.
John 6:35

-Ronnie | Let's Get Food Junked