Dairy Food Library
When can babies have pimento cheese?
Can babies have pimento cheese?
Pimento cheese is salty, so for babies under 12 months offer only an occasional small amount of homemade, low-salt pimento cheese stirred into food, and choose lower-sodium cheeses for everyday use. and as a thin spread on toast from 7–8 months, ideally homemade with pasteurized cheese and less salt. Pimento cheese contains dairy and usually egg from mayonnaise, both common allergens. Store-bought versions can be salty, so keep portions small.
How to serve pimento cheese by age
Shapes and textures change as your baby’s grasp and chewing grow.
6 months
Stir a small spoonful of homemade or lower-sodium pimento cheese into warm, smooth mashed potato or vegetable puree until it melts in, and offer it on a spoon. Keep the amount small because of the salt.
7–8 months
Spread a thin layer of pimento cheese on a soft toast strip about the width of two adult fingers, or stir a little into lumpier mashed potato or soft scrambled eggs.
9–12 months
Offer small squares of toast or soft crackers thinly spread with pimento cheese, or use it as a dip for steamed vegetable sticks.
12 months +
Toddlers can have pimento cheese sandwiches cut into strips, or use it as a dip for soft vegetables and crackers. Spread thinly and pair with fruit or veggies.
Why it’s good
Pimento cheese gives babies fat, protein, calcium and vitamin A from cheese, plus a little vitamin C from pimento peppers. Pimento cheese is rich and salty, so a little goes a long way.
Safety notes
- Spread pimento cheese thinly. Thick, sticky globs can be hard for babies to move around the mouth.
- Use pasteurized cheese and commercial mayonnaise, which is made with pasteurized eggs. Avoid homemade mayo made with raw eggs.
- Store-bought pimento cheese can be high in sodium and sometimes contains hot sauce or cayenne. Read labels or make your own.
- Keep pimento cheese refrigerated and use homemade versions within 3 to 5 days.
Introduce pimento cheese on its own, then keep it in
Pimento cheese contains cheese, which is dairy, and usually mayonnaise, which contains egg. Both are Top 9 allergens, so introduce dairy and egg separately first, and watch for hives, vomiting or swelling.
Pimento cheese for babies: questions parents ask
Quick answers about pimento cheese for babies and toddlers.
When can babies have pimento cheese?
Babies can have pimento cheese from about 6 months, mixed into smooth foods at first and as a thin spread from about 7–8 months. Pimento cheese is best offered after dairy and egg have each been introduced on their own.
Can babies have pimento cheese?
Yes, babies can eat pimento cheese made with pasteurized cheese and commercial mayonnaise. Pimento cheese should be spread thinly and kept to small portions because of the salt.
Is pimento cheese a choking hazard for babies?
Pimento cheese is a low choking risk when spread thinly on toast or mixed into food. Thick globs can stick to the roof of the mouth, so avoid large spoonfuls on their own.
Is pimento cheese a common allergen?
Yes, pimento cheese contains common allergens. Pimento cheese is made with cheese, which is dairy, and mayonnaise, which contains egg.
How do I serve pimento cheese to a 6 month old?
To serve pimento cheese to a 6 month old, stir a little into warm, smooth mashed potato or vegetable puree and offer it on a spoon. Use a homemade or lower-sodium version if you can. Thin spreads on toast strips can follow at 7–8 months.
How do I make pimento cheese for my baby?
To make pimento cheese for a baby, mix finely shredded mild cheddar with a little plain yogurt or commercial mayonnaise and minced roasted red pepper or jarred pimentos, rinsed. Skip added salt, hot sauce and cayenne.
Is store-bought pimento cheese okay for babies?
Store-bought pimento cheese is fine for babies in small amounts, but many brands are high in sodium. Compare labels and choose one with less sodium and no hot spices.
Are pimentos spicy?
No, pimentos are sweet, mild red peppers and are not spicy. Some pimento cheese recipes add cayenne or hot sauce, so taste or check the label first.
The takeaway
- Pimento cheese is salty, so for babies under 12 months offer only an occasional small amount of homemade, low-salt pimento cheese stirred into food, and choose lower-sodium cheeses for everyday use.
- Stir a small spoonful of homemade or lower-sodium pimento cheese into warm, smooth mashed potato or vegetable puree until it melts in, and offer it on a spoon.
- Choking risk is low. Dairy is one of the Top 9 allergens: offer a small amount first, watch for a reaction, then keep it in the diet regularly.
Read next
Sources
This guide follows current advice from these organizations.
- Starting Solid Foods American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Choking Hazards Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- The Effects of Early Nutritional Interventions on the Development of Atopic Disease in Infants and Children Greer FR, Sicherer SH, Burks AW; American Academy of Pediatrics. Pediatrics. 2019;143(4):e20190281
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Updated November 2026. Reviewed by our dietitians. Based on AAP, CDC and NIAID guidance. Written for healthy, full-term babies; not a substitute for your pediatrician. If your baby was born early, has a medical condition, feeding difficulties or a known allergy, check with them first (medical disclaimer). Always stay with your baby while they eat.