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Bring a taste of the South to your kitchen with this super simple Pimento Cheese Dip. You'll mix tangy pimentos, creamy cheeses, and sharp cheddar to make a smooth dip that's tasty on sandwiches, crunchy veggies, or salty crackers. This classic crowd-pleaser works for snacking, potlucks, or parties. The flavors just get better the longer it sits, so making it ahead is a smart move.
Reasons You’ll Crave This Dip
This Southern spread can do way more than just be a dip. Throw it on bread for melty sandwiches, toss on burgers, or even add to baked stuff for a creamy kick. Hosting friends or just want a quick bite? It's rich, punchy with cheddar, and gets a little depth from Worcestershire. Expect a smooth, cheesy texture every time you scoop.
What You’ll Need for Pimento Cheese
- Flavor Kicks:
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Main Cheese Stuff:
- 8 oz cream cheese, soft and ready
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 16 oz block extra-sharp cheddar, freshly shredded
- Pimento Power:
- 8 oz jarred pimentos, drained and chopped small
- Fun Extras (totally up to you):
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha for a little heat
- 1/4 cup diced jalapeños
- More shredded cheddar to sprinkle on top
Easy Step-by-Step Directions
- Let It Chill
- Pop the finished dip in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or just leave it overnight so you get those flavors blending together.
- Add Pimento & Heat
- Stir in those chopped pimentos. Like it spicy? Now's when you can mix in sriracha or jalapeños, too.
- Cheese It Up
- Take that shredded cheddar and gently fold it through so it's all mixed without squishing it too much.
- Season Away
- Dump in black pepper, dry mustard, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder. Get everything evenly scattered in the bowl.
- Start Creamy
- Beat your cream cheese till smooth in a big bowl. Add mayo and Worcestershire and stir everything until it's nice and creamy.
Smart Tips to Nail It
Set your cream cheese out early so it softens up quick. Grab a block of cheddar and grate it yourself—it just blends way better than bagged shredded stuff. Pat those pimentos dry so your dip doesn't water out. Let the dip stand out on the counter for half an hour before you serve so it's super spreadable. Taste after chilling and tweak the seasoning if you want, since the flavors get bolder over time.
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Tasty Ways to Serve It
Dunk crackers, carrot sticks, or celery right in. Slather on burgers, or use as a sandwich spread. Jam some inside cherry tomatoes or jalapeños for a quick bite. Grill up a cheesy sandwich with it, or scoop onto baked potatoes. It's a top pick for appetizer trays with other dips.
How to Store and Prep Ahead
Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge and you'll be good for about a week. Make it a day or two early if you want even more flavor. Don't freeze it—it won't be creamy anymore. Warm up to room temp before digging in so it's nice and soft. If you're serving a big group, split into a few bowls so you can swap in a fresh one right from the fridge as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why wait for it to warm up on the counter?
- It gets firm in the fridge, so after sitting at room temp for half an hour it softens up and is easier to spread.
- → Is it okay to prep this early?
- Totally! Whip it up and keep it in the fridge overnight. Makes the flavors even better the next day.
- → What do you serve it with?
- So many options! Scoop it up with veggies or crackers, slap it on a sandwich, or try it on a burger.
- → How long does it last?
- Keep it sealed up in the fridge and it'll be good for about a week.
- → Can I make it milder or hotter?
- Yup. Add cayenne for more kick or skip the sriracha for a milder taste. The usual version’s not spicy.