Lake House Pickle Pimiento Cheese

Bringing The South To The Lake House

Lake House Pickle Pimento Cheese is creamy, sharp, and perfectly tangy, made with Merkts cheddar, freshly shredded extra sharp cheddar, chopped dill pickles, and sweet pimentos. This is all blended together with a touch of horseradish for a subtle kick. This bold, pickle-forward spread is the ultimate addition to crackers, burgers, sandwiches, or a snack board at the lake.

I have a deep and unwavering love for pimento cheese. Next week when I’m in Savannah I plan to treat it like a full-time job. I am fully preparing to hunt down and try as many versions as humanly possible. This is because even though I don’t watch golf and know absolutely nothing about it, I am wildly fascinated by Masters Tournament. Specifically , I am completely obsessed with the idea of going just to try those famous little pimento cheese sandwiches they sell for basically a dollar.

Here’s the thing, every time I post anything remotely Southern on Tipsy, the entire Southern conglomerate of women appears to inform me that I do not, in fact, know what I’m talking about. So instead of trying to make an “authentic” Southern pimento cheese, I decided to lean all the way into my Northwoods lake house, Wisconsin supper club roots. I made this Lake House Pickle Pimiento Cheese my own. I gave it my own spin, which is how the horseradish ended up in the mix. SO sharp, bold, a little unexpected, and very much me.

A Merkt’s Description For Those Not From Wisconsin

Merkts Sharp Cheddar Cheese Spread is part of a long-loved Wisconsin tradition of cold-pack cheese spreads made in Little Chute, Wisconsin. It has been made since around the mid-20th century. They are described as rich, creamy, and bold with real Grade A Wisconsin cheddar. It is perfect for dipping, spreading, or melting into recipes like this one. You can find Merkt’s at many grocery stores (check local deli or specialty cheese sections, use the brand’s store locator, or order online through retailers and delivery services) . I get this big tub at Jewel-Osco in Chicago, by the deli.

If you’re looking for alternatives or just want to switch things up next time, consider similar Wisconsin cheese spreads like Pine River Sharp Cheddar Snack Spread or Merkts Beer Cheese Spread for a different flavor twist. Even something like Cabot Creamery Pimento Cheese Spread if you want a ready-made pimento version that leans more traditional. There are even plant-based options like Miyoko’s Creamery Classic Chive Plant Milk Cheese Spread if you want a dairy-free dip alternative. I do not recommend dairy free but you do you.

Clear Out Your Sinuses

The recipe technically calls for one teaspoon of prepared horseradish, but if we’re being honest, that is merely a suggestion. I love the bold, sharp flavor of horseradish so much that I kept adding little spoonfuls until it had that unmistakable Wisconsin supper club zing. You can start with a teaspoon, taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to add more if you’re a fellow horseradish enthusiast. The amount I put in, blew out my sinuses. It’s the Wisconsin way….

Other Flavors To Add

A couple of things I’ll probably add next time I make this are a small pinch of celery salt for that classic deli-style background note. Maybe a pinch or two of Worcestershire powder. This is the same one I’m always talking about and sneaking into half my recipes. It adds that deep, savory umami flavor that makes people say, “What is that?”. If you’ve made any of my other recipes on the website, you already know it’s one of my favorite little secret weapons.

If you would like to find out what I use Worcestershire Powder for, you can scroll the recipes I use it in, on my website. I get my powder on Amazon.

I use Worcestershire powder because it adds that deep, savory umami flavor without thinning out the texture of the spread the way liquid Worcestershire sauce can. It gives just a subtle background richness which is a little anchovy, a little tang, a little mystery. It makes the cheddar taste sharper and more complex. No one will quite be able to put their finger on why it’s so good.

How To Serve

I served this pimento cheese spread with pretzel thins. I love that salty crunch against the creamy, sharp cheese. It would be absolutely incredible piled onto toasted sourdough bread. I also have an almost unreasonable desire to eat it with tiny cornichon pickles on the side. It is just as perfect scooped onto saltine crackers. Try it melted between slices of bread for a bold, pickle-forward grilled cheese sandwich.

Give It Time

This recipe is delicious right after you mix it together. It truly comes into its own after sitting overnight so the flavors can fully meld. When you first stir it up it will seem a little thin. Once it rests in the refrigerator the Merkts cheddar firms back up. It will thicken into a perfectly spreadable, scoopable dip.

The New Viral Snack Sensation

I know the pickle dip has been everywhere lately. It is the viral one made with that specific brand of pickles that keeps popping up all over the internet. Honestly, it looks absolutely delicious even though I haven’t tried it myself. But I’ll say this: I’m loyal to the pickle dip recipe I already have on Tipsy. This pimento cheese version feels like its bold, sharp, slightly more sophisticated competitor.