Name: Pimento Cheese Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise; 1 8 oz container chive and onion cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 7 oz jar diced pimento, drained (reserve 3 tbsp juice); 1 tsp garlic salt; 1/2 tsp granulated garlic or garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp ground mustard; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp black pepper; few dashes hot sauce; 3 medium green onions, chopped; tortilla chips, veggies, crackers, baguette, fritos for dipping

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

A swirl of creamy, cheesy goodness fills the air as you pull the pimento cheese dip from the oven. Its golden, bubbly top beckons for attention. Once you’ve dipped a crispy tortilla chip into this vibrant concoction, you might find yourself pondering if it’s truly possible to make any other appetizer as satisfying. This signature Southern dip, a staple at gatherings and a go-to for game days, stands proudly amid the competition, showing off flavors that are deeply savory, slightly tangy, and downright irresistible.

Pin this for later!

Life can be hectic, and when hunger strikes, you need a quick yet delicious solution. This pimento cheese dip whips together in just 10 minutes, and with minimal fuss, you have an appetizer that not only pleases the crowd but works well for weeknight snacking or festive holiday gatherings. Budget-friendly and made from pantry staples, it’s an easy recipe to customize with everything from veggie sticks to crispy baguettes—a warm invitation for all to indulge.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Pimento Cheese Dip
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Pimento Cheese Dip

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This dip comes together in just 10 minutes, making it a breeze to prepare.
Irresistible Flavor: The sharp cheddar and creamy textures blend beautifully, creating a rich, satisfying taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors from the pimentos and green onions make it as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Flexible Serving: Whether it’s game day, a holiday party, or a cozy family movie night, this dip fits perfectly into any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily modify it to fit gluten-free diets or use alternatives for a lighter version.

Ingredients You’ll Need

5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: This forms the heart of your dip, delivering a robust flavor. Using sharp cheddar helps achieve a rich taste that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.
1 ½ cups mayonnaise: A classic base that adds creaminess. If you want a lighter version, substitute with Greek yogurt or a mix of mayo and cottage cheese.
1 8 oz container chive and onion cream cheese, softened: It brings depth and an extra layer of flavor. If you can’t find it, plain cream cheese can work, just add some fresh chives and onion powder for flavor.
½ cup sour cream: It helps create a smooth texture and balances the richness.
1 7 oz jar diced pimento, drained: This is the key player, offering a sweet, tangy flavor. You could substitute roasted red peppers for a different twist.
1 tsp garlic salt: Enhances the overall taste; however, regular salt can be used if garlic is added separately.
½ tsp granulated garlic or garlic powder: Adds a punch of flavor without overpowering.
½ tsp onion powder: Contributes a subtle sweetness; again, you can adjust to taste.
½ tsp ground mustard: Gives an extra zing; or, opt for Dijon for a smarter depth.
½ tsp smoked paprika: Introduces a smoky undertone that complements the cheese.
¼ tsp black pepper: A little heat to round everything out.
A few dashes of hot sauce: For those who enjoy a playful kick.
3 medium green onions, chopped: Adds a fresh crunch and pop of color.
Tortilla chips, veggies, crackers, baguette, or Fritos for dipping: The perfect vehicles for this creamy dip.

How to Make Pimento Cheese Dip

Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 350°F. This will ensure the dip gets nice and warm and bubbly.
Mix the Cheeses: In a large bowl, combine the 1 ½ cups mayonnaise, softened chive and onion cream cheese, ½ cup sour cream, and the reserved pimento juice, garlic salt, granulated garlic, onion powder, ground mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and hot sauce. Use a hand mixer on medium speed, blending for 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined.
Fold in the Shredded Cheese and Add-Ins: Next, gently fold in the 5 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 jar of diced pimentos, and the chopped green onions. Reserve about ½ to ¾ cup of cheese to sprinkle on top before baking.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the cheese mixture into a sprayed 2-quart shallow baking dish. Top with the reserved cheese for a lovely golden crust.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and let it bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the top achieves a lightly golden brown color.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few moments. Serve warm with crackers, tortilla chips, or French bread for dipping.

Storing & Reheating

To store your pimento cheese dip, let it cool down to room temperature and refrigerate it in an airtight container where it will keep for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dip for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Note that the texture may change slightly, so give it a good stir before serving again.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overmixing: Mixing too vigorously can make the dip overly soft. Gentle folding helps maintain its texture.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese is properly softened for a smoother mixture.
Adjust Spice Levels: For a milder option, skip the hot sauce or use minimal amounts.
Make-Ahead: This dip can be prepared a day in advance; just add a little cream or sour cream before reheating to refresh the texture.
Add More Pizzazz: Incorporate extra ingredients like jalapeños or your favorite herbs to give it your unique twist.
Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve the dip warm. The flavors truly shine!

Craving creamy, cheesy goodness? This pimento cheese dip is your answer. Not only is it quick and easy to whip up, but it’s also deliciously satisfying. From sharing with friends to indulging during me-time, every bite is bound to make you smile. Don’t hesitate to explore variations or tweak the recipe to suit your taste. Whether you share it at parties or enjoy it with family, this dip brings people together.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make pimento cheese dip ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to add a tad more cream or sour cream before reheating for a fresher texture.

Can I use low-fat ingredients?

Yes, feel free to substitute low-fat mayo or yogurt for a lighter option. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the creaminess.

How spicy is this dip?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on how much hot sauce you add. You can omit it entirely for a milder flavor, perfect for kids or spice-sensitive guests.

What should I serve with pimento cheese dip?

This dip pairs beautifully with a variety of dippers like tortilla chips, fresh veggies, crackers, or crusty baguette slices. You can even set up a fun dipping station at your next gathering!

⭐ If you make my Pimento Cheese Dip recipe, Awesome! I would love to hear from you. Please give it a star rating and review below! 👇

Pimento Cheese Dip