Why not give traditional mashed potatoes a little update? Pimento Cheese Mashed Potatoes are easy to make and taste amazing!!

It seems like everyone's favorite side dish is always mashed potatoes.
Not that traditional mashed potatoes needed help in the favorites category, but then again why not give them a little update?
These zippy Pimento Cheese Mashed Potatoes are EVERYTHING!
**Please Note - The printable recipe card with detailed instructions, complete ingredient measurements, and nutritional information for making pimento cheese mashed potatoes is available at the end of this post. OR you can hit the "jump to recipe" button (found above) to be taken directly to the recipe.
The ingredient list:
- russet potatoes
- sharp cheddar cheese
- mayonnaise
- diced pimentos
- prepared horseradish
- 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
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.
Can store-bought pimento cheese be used in this recipe?
Sure thing. Why not?
However, making homemade pimento cheese is super simple and quick to make so I urge you to try making it at some point.
Why not bookmark this recipe and come back to it at a later date when you have a little more time to make homemade pimento cheese spread? 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:
This recipe came about when I was watching a video of my food blogger friend, Jenni of Jenni Field's Pastry Chef Online making pimento cheese. Watch Jenni's live FB video.
Since making pimento cheese was something I've always wanted to do but never have, I figured that now was the time with Jenni's encouragement.
And, since I'd be making my very own pimento cheese, why wouldn't I go a step further and add it to mashed potatoes?
Because. Mashed potatoes, people!
Can pimento mashed 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.
Additional potato side dishes I know 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. Pair all that deliciousness with a dipping sauce made of mustard, horseradish, and mayonnaise and you have the perfect side dish or even a fun and unusual party appetizer!! YUM!!
*Roasted Red Potatoes with Lemon Grass and Cilantro
*Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Brussels Sprout and Apples
*Cauliflower Sweet Potato Mashers
*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!
How to make pimento cheese mashed potatoes:
- Shred 2 pounds sharp cheddar cheese.
- Add the cheese to a large bowl along with drained pimentos, mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish and black pepper.
- Mix well to combine.
- Mash russet potatoes along with softened butter, milk, pepper, and pimento cheese.
- Serve immediately, or place in a large serving dish and reheat as needed.
Below is the printable recipe card along with the nutritional information for today’s Pimento Cheese Mashed Potatoes.
If you've made this recipe, or are excited to make this recipe, I'd appreciate it if you'd take a moment to leave it a star rating in the recipe card, along with a comment if you're so inclined. I thank you most sincerely! 🙂
Printable Recipe Card
Pimento Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- For the pimento cheese:
- 2 pounds sharp cheddar cheese grated
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 4 ounces diced pimentos drained
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- For the mashed potatoes:
- 5½ quarts water
- 1½ tablespoons salt
- 5 pounds russet potatoes peeled and cut into 3" chunks
- ¾ cups warmed milk to the touch, plus additional if desired
- ½ teaspoon black peper
- 6 tablespoons butter softened
- 1 cup prepared pimento cheese
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients for the pimento cheese in a large bowl and stir well to combine.
- Meanwhile, boil the potatoes until fork-tender. Drain.
- Add 1 cup of the prepared pimento cheese, butter, warmed milk, and black pepper to the boiled potatoes.
- Use a potato masher to mash to your desired consistency (adding more warm milk if desired).
- Serve warm or place the potatoes in a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate.
- Refrigerate remaining pimento cheese and use it as a spread for crackers, sandwiches, or vegetables.
Video
Nutrition
I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's cheesy mashed potato recipe as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!
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Beth says
We are BIG mashed potato fans over here but I love the twist of pimento cheese in this version! Delish!
Renée says
Glad to hear it, Beth.
Thanks!!
Hanna says
This flavor combo is divine! My family loved this! Thanks for another great recipe.
Renée says
My pleasure, Hanna!
Have a great day!
Renee
Jenni says
Girl, you are an evil genius! I am so glad my video inspired you to make pimento cheese, and now I want to stir mine into mashed potatoes too! (PS I have stirred into into pasta for a stupid easy mac and cheese, too)!
Renée says
I've seen your pimento mac and cheese and it's on my list of things to try.
Thanks for being an inspiration for this recipe, my friend.
Take good care,
Renee
Cathy | Lemon Tree Dwelling says
I love the added zip! Such a perfect way to jazz up potatoes!
Renée says
Thank you. I adore horseradish and this seemed to be a good fit. Glad you liked it.
Michelle De La Cerda says
These look fabulous! These would work for dinner all by themselves!
Renée says
Tell me about it. LOL
Amanda | The Chunky Chef says
I'll definitely be trying these... I think the Pimento is a great addition!
Renée says
Thanks, Amanda!
Sheila @ Life, Love, and Good Food says
Oh, my! My husband would absolutely LOVE these spuds!
Renée says
I hope he does, Sheila! Thanks.
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says
This is an AWESOME idea! I've done it, not with Pimiento cheese, but other, and it turns out so well. Yours looks fantastic.
Renée says
Potatoes and cheese are a natural coupling. Try it with pimento cheese, Dorothy. You'll love it!
brandy | Nutmeg Nanny says
That wine glass is adorable! I love the addition of pimento cheese.
Renée says
Thanks, Brandy!
Michelle | A Latte Food says
This is seriously such a brilliant idea! I bet these are SO flavorful!
Renée says
They really are, Michelle. Thank you!