Pimento cheese is a creamy, flavorful spread made with cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, and spices. It is a popular snack and sandwich spread, especially in the Southern United States. With Costco’s wide selection of cheeses, deli items, and picnic-style snacks, many shoppers wonder if Costco carries pimento cheese. Here is a quick overview of what to expect when searching for pimento cheese at Costco.
Quick Answer
Yes, Costco does carry pimento cheese, but selection varies by location and season. Some warehouses sell pimento cheese spreads from the deli. Costco also offers pimento cheese as part of seasonal assorted cheese gift baskets and boxes.
In-Depth Answer
Costco has a wide range of constantly rotating food products, so the availability of any particular item can vary. Here are some details on finding pimento cheese at Costco:
- Deli Counter: Some Costco warehouse locations sell freshly made pimento cheese spread at the deli counter or cheese shop. This allows shoppers to purchase pimento cheese by the pound for the desired quantity.
- Gift Baskets: Seasonally, Costco carries cheese gift baskets and assortments that may include pimento cheese spreads or wedges from specialty producers. These are usually purchased as a pre-made package.
- Online Selection: Costco’s online grocery delivery service has sporadic availability of pimento cheese spreads, which can be ordered online and delivered.
- Food Court: There are no confirmed sightings of pimento cheese for sale at Costco’s famous food courts.
- Regional and Seasonal Variation: Costco locations in the South are more likely to carry pimento cheese options than other regions.
Pimento Cheese Sightings at Costco
To get an idea of the types of pimento cheese products that have been available at various Costco warehouses, here are some first-hand reports:
| Costco Location | Pimento Cheese Product Details |
|---|---|
| Costco in Athens, GA | Deli sells fresh pimento cheese by the pound |
| Costco in Arlington, TX | Spotted pimento cheese gift basket seasonally before Christmas |
| Costco in Jacksonville, FL | Online order available for Publix Fresh Southern Pimento Cheese spread |
| Costco in Boise, ID | No pimento cheese products found |
As you can see, sightings are sporadic and concentrated in the South. If pimento cheese is a must-have item, your best bet may be to call ahead to confirm availability at your local warehouse.
How to Find Pimento Cheese at Costco
If you want to find pimento cheese during your next Costco run, here are some tips:
- Check the deli counter or specialty cheese shop. Ask at the counter or look in refrigerated cases for packaged pimento cheese.
- Inspect seasonal gift baskets and cheese assortments. Baskets that contain cheddar, gouda, or Southern specialties may include a pimento cheese wedge or spread.
- Check Costco.com for your location’s monthly coupon book. If pimento cheese gift baskets are featured for seasonal sale, they will be advertised in the coupon book.
- Search the online grocery delivery site. Filter the Deli & Prepared Foods category by “pimento” to check for availability.
- Call ahead to ask. The warehouse staff can check inventory and confirm if they have any pimento cheese in stock.
With some persistence and good timing, you are likely to find pimento cheese during seasonal peaks at Costco warehouses located in the South. Even if you don’t spot it on every visit, new products rotate through all the time.
Buying Pimento Cheese at Costco
If you do manage to find pimento cheese at your local Costco, here are some tips for buying it:
- Check the ingredients. Some pimento cheese spreads sold at delis contain non-traditional ingredients like jalapeños, bacon, or chipotle. Opt for the plain traditional pimento cheese unless you prefer a flavored variety.
- Check the consistency. Pimento cheese should have a creamy and spreadable consistency. Avoid any cheese that looks dry, cracked, or separated.
- Note the quantity. Pimento cheese from the deli counter can be portioned to order. Pre-packaged wedges usually range from 4 oz. to 1 lb.
- Check the cost per pound. Calculate and compare so you get the best deal. Buying a larger deli portion may save money.
- Consider the sell-by date. Opt for packages with farther out expiration dates, especially if buying a large quantity.
- Refrigerate promptly. For food safety, get deli cheese into a cooler bag and refrigerate within 2 hours.
With its affordable prices, Costco can be a great place to stock up on this Southern staple when you are lucky enough to find it in stock.
How to Make Your Own Pimento Cheese
Can’t find pimento cheese at your Costco or need it in a pinch? Luckily, it’s easy to make your own pimento cheese at home with just a few simple ingredients:
Ingredients
- 8 oz. extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 oz. pepper jack or Monterey jack cheese, shredded
- 1 (4 oz.) jar pimentos, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheeses.
- Add the drained chopped pimentos, mayonnaise, and softened cream cheese.
- Season with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together thoroughly.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Making your own allows you to control the flavors and ingredients. Feel free to tweak this recipe to your taste. You can substitute different cheese types, add hot sauce for a kick, or play around with different seasonings.
How to Use Pimento Cheese
Once you’ve got your hands on some pimento cheese, you’ll want to put it to good use. Here are some of the most popular ways to eat pimento cheese:
- Slather it on crackers or toasted bread as an appetizer.
- Use it as a sandwich spread on white bread with sliced cucumbers.
- Stuff it into celery sticks for a retro snack.
- Top burgers or hot dogs for a flavorful condiment.
- Fill halved peppers or mushrooms for a vegetable popper appetizer.
- Swirl it into deviled eggs or egg salad in lieu of plain mayo.
- Serve it alongside grilled or fried chicken.
- Use as a unique pizza topping in lieu of plain cheese.
Pimento cheese is versatile enough to be used in a wide range of recipes. It brings a creamy, spicy kick of flavor to anything it touches. Keep an eye out for it during your Southern Costco runs.
Conclusion
Pimento cheese is a staple of Southern cuisine that can sometimes be found at Costco warehouses, especially in regions of the South. Though not a standard year-round offering, seasonal pimento cheese spreads and gift baskets do rotate through deli counters and cheese shops at select locations. With some persistence and luck, Costco can be an affordable source for pimento cheese. But even if you don’t spot it, you can always whip up a batch of this tasty spread at home.
