Pimento Cheese Dip Recipe
Introduction
Pimento cheese dip is a classic Southern favorite that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with a hint of smoky flavor. Perfect for snacking, spreading, or serving at parties, this dip comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded)
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 Green Onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 (4-ounce jar) Diced Pimentos (drained)
- 1 Garlic Clove (finely grated or 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic)
- 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (or Cayenne Pepper, to taste)
- Optional: Sea Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, green onions, diced pimentos, garlic, and smoked paprika using a utensil or electric hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2: Gently fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Add sea salt to taste, if desired.
- Step 3: Serve the dip immediately or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 7 days.
Tips & Variations
- Use smoked cheddar for an extra depth of flavor that complements the paprika.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier dip.
- For a lighter version, substitute some mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Serve with crackers, fresh vegetables, or use as a sandwich spread.
Storage
Store the pimento cheese dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Before serving, stir to refresh the texture. The dip can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature but is not recommended to be heated.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make pimento cheese dip ahead of time?
Yes, it’s best to make the dip a few hours ahead or even a day before to allow the flavors to meld, just keep it refrigerated until serving.
What can I use instead of pimentos?
If you can’t find pimentos, roasted red peppers drained and finely chopped make a great substitute with a similar sweet and mild flavor.
PrintPimento Cheese Dip Recipe
This classic Pimento Cheese Dip is a creamy, tangy, and slightly smoky spread made with sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, and green onions. Perfect for serving as a dip with crackers or vegetables, or as a flavorful sandwich spread, this easy-to-make recipe blends fresh ingredients and rich cheeses into a smooth and comforting southern favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups (serves 6-8) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Cheese
- 8 ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded)
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened to room temperature)
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 Green Onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 (4-ounce jar) Diced Pimentos (drained)
- 1 Garlic Clove (finely grated or 1/4 tsp granulated garlic)
- 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (or Cayenne Pepper, to taste)
- Optional: Sea Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, use a utensil or an electric hand mixer to blend the cream cheese, mayonnaise, thinly sliced green onions, drained diced pimentos, finely grated garlic, and smoked paprika until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Fold in Cheddar Cheese: Gently fold the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the creamy base mixture to retain some texture and cheesiness. Taste and add sea salt to adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve or Store: Serve the pimento cheese dip immediately with crackers, vegetables, or bread, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days to enjoy later.
Notes
- Softening cream cheese to room temperature ensures a smoother blend.
- The dip can be adjusted in spice level by changing the amount of smoked paprika or substituting with cayenne pepper.
- This dip keeps well in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of black pepper.
Keywords: Pimento Cheese Dip, Southern Dip, Cheese Spread, Appetizer, Party Dip
