Southern 3-ingredient pimento cheese squares are the kind of old-school party bite that earns a permanent place in a recipe box because they are inexpensive, fast, and reliably crowd-pleasing. They lean on the familiar Southern flavor of pimento cheese, then turn it into a warm, sliceable casserole appetizer with crisp edges and a soft, cheesy center. This is exactly the sort of recipe to make for potlucks, game days, showers, and neighborhood get-togethers when you want something comforting that disappears almost as soon as it hits the table.
Serve these squares warm or at room temperature on a tray with cocktail napkins, or cut them smaller for appetizer platters. They pair especially well with a bowl of pickles, celery sticks, sliced tomatoes, fresh fruit, or a simple green salad to balance the richness. For parties, I like to set them out alongside deviled eggs, ham biscuits, or a pitcher of sweet tea.
Southern 3-Ingredient Pimento Cheese Squares
Servings: 16 squares
Ingredients
1 box yellow cake mix
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 8-inch square or 9-inch square glass baking dish.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and pimento cheese spread until a thick batter forms and no dry pockets remain.
3. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing it gently into the corners so the top is level.
4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is deeply golden around the edges and the center is set with bubbling cheese in spots.
5. Let the pan cool for 10 to 15 minutes, then cut into squares and serve warm.
Variations & Tips
Pan size: An 8-inch square pan gives slightly thicker squares, while a 9-inch square pan makes them a little thinner and a touch crisper at the edges. Just watch the baking time near the end.
Make-ahead tip: Bake the squares a few hours ahead, then let them rest at room temperature. They slice more cleanly after a short cooling period, and they rewarm nicely in a low oven if you want to serve them hot.
Pimento cheese choice: Because there are only three ingredients, the flavor of the pimento cheese matters. A sharp cheddar style with a little bite gives the best savory balance against the cake mix.
Add-ins: If you do not mind moving beyond the strict three-ingredient version, a pinch of cayenne, a spoonful of diced jalapeños, or a scattering of chopped scallions can add a little heat and brightness.
Clean slices: For tidy party squares, let the baked pan cool briefly and wipe the knife between cuts. For a softer, gooier texture, serve them a bit warmer and scoop-like rather than waiting for a firm set.
