Best Substitutes for Pimentos: Practical Cooking Guide

Roasted red bell peppers are the best substitute for pimentos, offering a similar sweet flavor, vibrant red color, and soft texture. For recipes requiring pimento cheese, stuffed olives, or Spanish rice, simply roast, peel, and chop red bell peppers as a 1:1 replacement.

Understanding pimento substitutes is essential for home cooks facing recipe challenges. Pimentos, those small, sweet red peppers often found in jars, are actually a specific variety of red bell pepper that's been roasted and peeled. Many grocery stores now label standard roasted red peppers as 'pimentos,' causing confusion about proper substitutions.

What Exactly Are Pimentos?

Pimentos (sometimes spelled pimientos) are small, heart-shaped sweet red peppers with thin walls and a bright red color when mature. They measure between 100-500 Scoville heat units, making them significantly milder than jalapeños. Commercially, the term 'pimento' often refers to any roasted, peeled red bell pepper packed in jars. This labeling practice explains why many substitute questions arise—what you're likely missing is simply roasted red bell pepper.

Top 5 Substitutes for Pimentos

When your recipe calls for pimentos and you're out, these alternatives work well with slight adjustments:

Substitute	Flavor Profile	Texture Match	Best Recipe Applications
Roasted red bell peppers	Sweet, mild, slightly smoky	★★★★★	Pimento cheese, sandwiches, salads, tapas
Roasted poblano peppers	Earthy, mild heat (250-500 SHU)	★★★★☆	Stuffed olives, Spanish rice, casseroles
Roasted Anaheim peppers	Mild, slightly grassy	★★★☆☆	Cream cheese spreads, deviled eggs
Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed)	Tangy, intense umami	★★★☆☆	Mediterranean dishes, pasta sauces
Sweet paprika + tomato paste	Smoky-sweet, no heat	★★☆☆☆	Sauces, dressings, dips

How to Prepare the Best Pimento Substitute

For optimal results when substituting pimentos, follow these preparation steps:

1. Roast fresh peppers: Place whole red bell peppers directly over gas flame or under broiler until skin blackens (about 8-10 minutes), turning frequently
2. Sweat and peel: Transfer to covered bowl for 10 minutes, then remove skin and seeds
3. Pat dry: Excess moisture affects recipe texture—especially crucial for pimento cheese
4. Chop finely: Match the diced size specified in your recipe (typically 1/8-1/4 inch)

Homemade roasted peppers maintain quality for up to 5 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen. For immediate use, jarred roasted red peppers work well—just drain thoroughly and pat dry before incorporating into recipes.

Recipe-Specific Substitution Guide

Pimento Cheese

When making pimento cheese, roasted red bell peppers provide the closest flavor match. Use a 1:1 ratio, but reduce added salt by 25% since jarred peppers contain preservatives. For authentic Southern pimento cheese texture, finely mince the peppers rather than using pre-chopped varieties.

Stuffed Olives

For olive stuffing, roasted poblano peppers offer better structural integrity than bell peppers. Their slightly thicker flesh holds shape better during the pitting process. Briefly blanch peppers after roasting to maintain firmness—this prevents the common issue of substitutes becoming too soft for stuffing.

Spanish Rice and Paella

In grain dishes, combine roasted red peppers with a pinch of smoked paprika to replicate the subtle smokiness of authentic pimentos. Add during the last 5 minutes of cooking to preserve color—extended heat causes bell peppers to lose their vibrant red hue faster than true pimentos.

Substitutes to Avoid

Certain alternatives compromise both flavor and texture:

• Raw bell peppers: Too crunchy and lack the characteristic roasted sweetness
• Canned pimientos labeled 'pimento': Often contain vinegar that alters recipe chemistry
• Cherry peppers: Significantly hotter (5,000+ SHU) than authentic pimentos
• Red pepper flakes: Completely different texture and heat profile

Storage Tips for Homemade Substitutes

Maximize shelf life of your pimento alternatives:

• Store in airtight containers with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to prevent drying
• Layer peppers with parchment paper if freezing in flat sheets
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice to maintain vibrant red color during refrigeration
• Portion into ice cube trays with oil for recipe-specific measurements

Can I use regular bell peppers instead of pimentos in pimento cheese?

Yes, but you must roast and peel them first. Raw bell peppers lack the sweet, smoky flavor of pimentos and will make your cheese spread watery. Roast red bell peppers, remove skins and seeds, then finely chop before mixing with cheese. Drain thoroughly to prevent separation.

What's the difference between pimentos and roasted red peppers?

Pimentos are a specific sweet pepper variety, but commercially the terms are used interchangeably with roasted red bell peppers. True pimentos are smaller and slightly sweeter, but roasted red bell peppers make an excellent substitute in nearly all recipes. The main difference is in size and shape—pimentos are heart-shaped while bell peppers are larger and blockier.

How do I substitute pimentos in stuffed olives?

For stuffed olives, roasted poblano peppers work best as they maintain structure better than bell peppers. After roasting and peeling, briefly blanch in ice water to firm the texture. Cut into thin strips that match the olive's diameter. Avoid overfilling—use just enough to create a visible pop of color without causing the olive to split.

Can I use sun-dried tomatoes as pimento substitute?

Sun-dried tomatoes work as a pimento substitute in Mediterranean dishes but not in traditional pimento applications. They provide intense umami and color but lack sweetness. Rehydrate in warm water first, then pat dry. Use at a 3:4 ratio (3 parts sun-dried tomato for 4 parts pimento) and add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.

Why does my pimento cheese become watery with substitutes?

Wateriness occurs when substitutes aren't properly drained. Always pat roasted peppers dry with paper towels before chopping. For jarred peppers, drain thoroughly and press between paper towels. Adding 1-2 tablespoons of cream cheese helps bind moisture in pimento cheese spreads. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and texture to stabilize.