In the South, pimento cheese is basically its own food group. A spicy blend of cheddar cheese, cream cheese, jalapeño peppers and mayonnaise, this southern favorite is served in a multitude of ways—as a dip, a topping on a sandwich, or as a feature in your mac n’ cheese.

Many non-Southerners haven’t even tried pimento cheese before. If you’re one of these people or maybe just feeling adventurous, get out into Winston-Salem and experiment with some local pimento cheese favorites. Here are six that you shouldn’t miss out on:

1. Mozelle’s pimento cheeseburger

cheese winston-salem

Photo courtesy of Southern Living

The pimento cheeseburger at Mozelle’s is too good for words. It encompasses the masterful combination of spicy pimento cheese and a fresh, juicy burger. You will not be disappointed. 

2. Five Points fried green tomato stack

cheese winston-salem

Photo courtesy of Trip Advisor

Four words: fried, pimento, bacon, tomatoes. This Five Points classic is delicious and super creative. Not only is the presentation wonderful, but the flavors are also very unique.

3. Pane e Vino pimento dip

cheese winston-salem

Photo courtesy of Hannah Huffman

A Wake Forest favorite, Pane e Vino has a simple and delicious menu that always keeps us on our toes. Served with pita chips and hummus, the pimento dip is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

4. The Porch pimento dip

cheese winston-salem

Photo courtesy of Yelp

We all know that The Porch has taken the Winston-Salem restaurant scene by storm.  It has a fun atmosphere, a great menu, and an awesome crowd. The pimento/queso dip is one of their signature dishes and should be a must-have for the table.

5. Mozelle’s pimento grilled cheese

cheese winston-salem

Photo courtesy of Yelp

Pimento cheese is so good that it could be eaten off of practically any vehicle, but toasted sourdough and bacon might be one of the best options. This grilled cheese sandwich is great for lunch or dinner.

6. Sweet Potatoes pimento dip

cheese winston-salem

Photo courtesy of Yelp

What could be better than a martini glass filled with pimento cheese? Served with crackers, celery and carrots, this appetizer is a best-seller at Sweet Potatoes. Don’t forget to try the pimento mac n’ cheese, too.