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Creamy, cheesy, and a little tart Pimiento Cheese Dip is my favorite delicious and decadent appetizer for parties or large dinners. This southern classic is incredibly trendy check out my tips and tricks below for the best method!
This dip can be made ahead of time for a summer party or enjoyed as a sandwich spread. Creamy dreamy pimento cheese dip is a family favorite in our South Carolina household!
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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
Table of Contents
How to Make Pimiento Dip
My affinity for this traditionally southern cheese dip is so strong- I am thrilled it is a trendy offering once again, with hipsters across the nation lining up to dive in. I had to try out a few different recipes to find my own beloved flavor, as I have not a single drop of southern blood in my body, let alone an old family recipe to fall back on.
Pimiento Dip Ingredients
First assembled the following ingredients:
- Extra sharp cheddar cheese (8 ounce) – Extra sharp cheddar cheese gives the dip its rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture with a bold cheesy bite.
- Pimientos (4 ounce) – Pimientos add a mild sweetness and bright pop of color that balances the richness of the cheese.
- Sour cream (3 tablespoons) – Sour cream adds creamy tanginess that helps create a smooth and scoopable dip.
- Green onions (2) – Green onions bring fresh savory flavor and a little crunch to brighten the creamy cheese mixture.
- Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon) – Garlic powder adds subtle savory depth that enhances the cheesy flavor without overpowering it.
- Ground red pepper (¼ teaspoon) – Ground red pepper adds a gentle kick of heat that balances the rich creamy ingredients.
- Good mayonnaise (2 tablespoons) – Good mayonnaise creates a smooth, creamy texture and helps bind all the flavors together.
- Sea salt (9½ tsp) – Sea salt enhances the sharp cheddar flavor and brings out the savory richness of the dip.
- Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste) – Freshly cracked black pepper adds a warm savory finish and subtle spice to every bite.
Steps to Make Pimiento Cheese
Once you have assembled the ingredients, use this method.
Assemble
In a large bowl, mix ingredients.
With an electric mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk on high until creamy.
Serve immediately!
Tips and Tricks for Making Pimiento Cheese Dip
Fresh Grate. Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
Room Temp. Let the cream cheese and mayonnaise come to room temperature before mixing to help everything blend smoothly.
By Hand. Mix the dip by hand instead of using a food processor if you want a chunkier, more traditional texture.
Chill. Chill the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Heat. Add extra cayenne or diced jalapeños if you like a spicier pimiento cheese dip.
Add Acid. A splash of pickle juice or Worcestershire sauce can add extra tangy depth to the dip.
Add Crunch. Green onions add freshness and crunch that balances the rich creamy cheese mixture beautifully.
Leftovers. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Garnish. For a party presentation, garnish with sliced green onions, paprika, or extra diced pimientos before serving.
More Delicious Dips
I’ve had pimiento cheese with a ton of accompaniments, but my favorites are homemade saltines (which… yummy, but i am LAZY), and just plain old pita bread, cut into triangles (which is the winner for me). Crusty bread is also divine dipped into this deliciously oozy spread sent directly from heaven.
Try these dips next and check out my favorite million dollar dip.
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Pimiento Cheese Dip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounce extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated (don’t use store-bought pre-shredded cheese!)
- 4 ounce pimientos, jar, drained very thoroughly and finely diced
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 green onions, mostly tops, finely minced
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground red pepper
- 2 tablespoons good mayonnaise
- ½ tsp sea salt, plus more as needed
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix ingredients.
- With an electric mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk on high until creamy.
- Serve immediately!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Pimento Cheese FAQs
Yes! In fact, the flavor gets even better after chilling for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, pimiento cheese dip will stay fresh for about 4-5 days.
Freezing is not recommended because the mayonnaise and cheese texture can become grainy and separate after thawing.
You can, but freshly shredded cheese melts and mixes much better for a creamier texture.
Add a little extra mayonnaise or sour cream a tablespoon at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.
Absolutely! Pimiento cheese is delicious on sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and even grilled cheese.
Use softened ingredients and mix thoroughly, or pulse briefly in a food processor for a creamier consistency.
Yes! Crumbled bacon, diced ham, or shredded chicken make delicious additions for a heartier dip.
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels on seasonings and mayonnaise to be safe.
Thank God for vegan mayo. I am allergic to eggs!