Homemade pimento cheese is a fresh and flavorful Southern style dip or spread.
Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and mayonnaise are blended with savory and spicy seasonings likely already in the pantry.
Whip up this easy, cheesy classic anytime you need a quick and delicious appetizer.
What is Pimento Cheese?
- AKA “Southern Caviar”, pimento cheese is made with cheddar, cream cheese, mayo, and of course “pimentos”.
- Homemade pimento cheese dip is a hit at parties, BBQs, tailgate parties, and picnics.
- Delicious, bright flavors and deceptively low-carb, pimento cheese tastes good with almost anything.
What’s in Pimento Cheese Dip?
Cheese – For the best results, grate the cheese yourself. Use sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, or even shred a block of Velveeta cheese product. Any combination of these three cheeses can also work.
Cream Cheese – Cream cheese is essential for texture and that rich, creamy flavor. Use lite cream cheese to save a few calories, if you like.
Mayonnaise – Use any brand of mayonnaise and avoid Miracle Whip dressing as it will be too sweet in this recipe.
Pimentos – Buy pimentos in a jar and chop them yourself. Or buy them pre-diced in a jar or can.
Seasonings – Adjust the seasonings to suit your preference. Homemade Cajun seasoning, a dash of red pepper flakes, or a little Tabasco adds a spicy zip to this dip.
Variations – Minced jalapenos, chopped black olives, chopped sundried tomatoes, or chopped celery are tasty add-ins for homemade pimento cheese.
How to Make Pimento Cheese Spread
Make this pimento cheese dip recipe as a dip or spread for anything you can think of.
- Thoroughly combine all ingredients in a large bowl, as directed in the recipe below.
- Season to taste. Serve as desired.
Ways to Use Pimento Cheese
Use pimento dip as a spread for burgers, quesadillas, or wraps, or serve it in a bowl surrounded by vegetables, crackers, chips, or toasted garlic herb bread. It’s also delicious swirled into homemade mashed potatoes or scrambled eggs.
Leftover Pimento Cheese?
- Keep pimento cream cheese in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Use refrigerated leftovers as a spread on sandwiches or wraps.
- Due to the high dairy content, freezing and thawing pimento cheese spread is not recommended as it will thaw out grainy and wet.
More Dippable Dips
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Pimento Cheese
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 4 ounces diced pimentos well drained (1 small jar)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and paprika. Mix to combine.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve with crackers or vegetables.
Notes
- A stand mixer with a paddle attachment is helpful if you double the recipe.
- Kick up the heat by adding finely diced jalapeno (seeds removed) or a small can of diced jalapenos.
- Pimento dip is best served at room temperature.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 1 week. It is not recommended to freeze as the texture when thawed will become watery.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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