Pimento Cheese Mashed Potatoes

The ingredient list for making pimento cheese mashed potatoes:

*Please note that the exact measurements along with a "shop the recipe" feature from Instacart and Walmart is available inside the printable recipe card.

• russet potatoes
• homemade or store-bought pimento cheese
• sharp cheddar cheese (for homemade pimento cheese)
• mayonnaise (for homemade pimento cheese)
• diced pimentos (for homemade pimento cheese)
• prepared horseradish (for homemade pimento cheese)
• salt and pepper
• milk
• butter

Kitchen tools and equipment needed:

• large stockpot
• cheese grater
• large mixing bowl
• potato masher or potato ricer
• measuring cups and spoons
• wooden spoon or spatula

When to serve cheesy mashed potatoes?

Serve these flavorful mashed potatoes with weeknight dinners, Sunday suppers, or holiday meals when you want something familiar—but far from ordinary.

They’re especially delicious alongside roast beef, pork, chicken, turkey, or meatloaf, and they can be prepared in advance when your menu demands a little breathing room.

How long does this recipe take to make?

You're looking at approximately 50 minutes (until pure bliss), but a lot of that time is hands-off-time while the potatoes cook.

Making your own pimento cheese will take only about 10 minutes from start to finish.

Making the mashed potatoes will take approximately 35-45 minutes, and this includes the potato peeling time.

Stirring the pimento cheese into the mashed potatoes will take only 1-2 minutes.

Can instant potatoes be used for this recipe?

I'm all for using whatever you like and in taking shortcuts, if needed.

That said, if you're using instant mashed potatoes, I suggest that you cut back on the milk (just a touch) so the potatoes don't become too thin once the pimento cheese is stirred in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Sharp cheddar gives the potatoes plenty of rich, cheesy flavor.
• Diced pimentos add mild sweetness and cheerful color.
• Prepared horseradish balances the richness with a gentle kick.
• Warm milk helps create a smooth and creamy consistency.
• Homemade or store-bought pimento cheese can be used.
• The potatoes can be prepared in advance for easier entertaining.
• They’re familiar enough for traditionalists but far from ordinary.

Can store-bought pimento cheese be used in this recipe?

Sure thing.

However, making homemade pimento cheese is super simple and quick to make so I urge you to try making it at home. Bookmark this recipe and come back to it at a later date when you have the short list of specific ingredients. You'll be glad you did!

Why this recipe works:

I'm not usually one to follow traditions when it comes to food and food holidays like Thanksgiving. What can I say?

I get bored easily, and I like to try new things. It's not always something that my family appreciates, but if I'm the one doing the cooking, then I'm the one who gets to decide what's on the menu. *insert evil laughter here*

Having said that, nobody argues or complains when it comes to having these Zippy Pimento Cheese Mashed Potatoes on the table. They're traditional... with a twist and zip!

How this recipe came to be:

These mashed potatoes were born while I was making a large batch of homemade pimento cheese for another purpose. Since I already had plenty on hand, I decided to stir a cup into freshly mashed potatoes and get double duty from one delicious batch.

That spontaneous experiment turned traditional mashed potatoes into something creamy, colorful, cheesy, and delightfully zippy. It was too good not to become a recipe of its own—because mashed potatoes, people!

Can mashed cheesy potatoes be frozen?

Yes. Wrap them well or store them in air-tight containers for up to 4 months.

Thaw the frozen mashed potatoes in the refrigerator until completely thawed.

To reheat after frozen, stir well after freezing. Add the potatoes to an oven-safe casserole dish, cover, and reheat for 20-30 minutes at 350-degrees, or until hot.

The step-by-step photo instructions:

How to make pimento cheese:

• Shred 16 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese.
• Add the cheese to a large bowl along with drained pimentos, mayonnaise, prepared horseradish, salt and black pepper.
• Mix well to combine.

How to make mashed potatoes with pimento cheese:

• Mash cooked and drained russet potatoes along with softened butter, milk, pepper, and 1 cup of pimento cheese.
• Serve immediately, or place in a large serving dish and reheat as needed.

Additional potato side dishes you'll also enjoy:

Roasted Baby Potatoes with Garlic and Herbs (shown below)

These roasted baby potatoes are creamy in the center, and golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Mashed Potatoes and Celery Root

Roasted Red Potatoes with Lemon Grass and Cilantro

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Brussels Sprout and Apples

Cauliflower Sweet Potato Mashers

Roasted Potatoes with Onion and Parmesan

Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes (pictured below)

Deliciously easy and flavorful, this recipe of roasted cinnamon sweet potatoes with squash and apples is sure to become a favorite side dish for any occasion!

Recipe Quick Take:

• Difficulty: Easy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Make in Advance: Yes
• Flavor Profile: Creamy, cheesy, tangy, and mildly zippy
• Best For: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Sunday dinners, and entertaining
• Yield: Approximately 10 cups

Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!

All of the recipes you'll find here on my website are in loving memory of my son, Greg, who left this earth far too soon and will be forever in our hearts.