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Southern favorite homemade pimento cheese is a creamy, irresistible, crowd-favorite dip and sandwich spread that takes only 10 minutes to make!
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Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick and Easy: This 10-minute recipe is the perfect make-ahead or last-minute party dip.
- Crowd Pleaser: Everyone loves an old-fashioned pimento cheese dip at any gathering.
- Versatile: Use pimento cheese as a dip, spread, or sandwich filling.
What is in pimento cheese?
- Cheddar Cheese - The main component of this recipe.
- Cream Cheese - Makes pimento spread rich and creamy, holding all the ingredients together.
- Mayonnaise - Adds a bit of tang and makes the dip smooth and spreadable.
- Green Onions - These add mild onion flavor, satisfying texture, and a pop of green color to your pimento cheese.
- Diced Pimentos - This essential ingredient in pimento cheese spread provides a mild, sweet pepper flavor and a pop of red color.
- Garlic - Adds a subtle kick and enhances the overall flavor.
- Paprika - Brings a hint of smokiness that complements the sharpness of the cheese.
- (Optional) Sea Salt - Add in tiny amounts and season to taste as needed.
How to make pimento cheese dip
- Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- Use any utensil to stir everything together until well combined. Optional: Add salt to taste.
- Serve immediately or chill for an hour or so.
- To store, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Recipe tips
- Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is as soft as possible. If you're short on time, you can soften it in the microwave by heating it in short intervals until it's warm and soft.
- Shredding Cheese: For the best texture, opt for shredding block cheddar cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. I like to use this rotary cheese grater for ease of use.
- Make ahead: Preparing the pimento cheese recipe a day or two ahead allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in an even more pleasing flavor.
- Serving tip: Let the dip sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving so that it's soft and spreadable.
Serving ideas for pimento cheese
Pro tip: Rest the dip at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften the texture for easier spreading.
- Spread on crackers, pita chips, bagel chips, or crostini for an irresistible appetizer or snack.
- Serve on a charcuterie board as a delicious spread.
- Make a pimento cheese sandwich by spreading it on sliced French bread.
- Serve as a dip for fresh veggies like celery sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips.
- Add a dollop to your next burger for a creamy, tangy topping.
📖 Recipe
Pimento Cheese Dip Recipe
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Video
Note about scaling
When scaling, the light gray ingredient notes after the comma don’t change. Adjust as needed.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese, 2 cups, shredded
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 2 Green Onions, thinly sliced
- 1 (4-ounce jar) Diced Pimentos, drained
- 1 Garlic Clove, finely grated (or ¼ teaspoon granulated)
- ¼ teaspoon Smoked Paprika, or Cayenne Pepper, to taste
- Optional: Sea Salt, to taste
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, use any utensil or an electric hand mixer to combine CREAM CHEESE, MAYONNAISE, GREEN ONIONS, DICED PIMENTOS, GARLIC, and PAPRIKA until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the CHEDDAR CHEESE. Add salt to taste, if needed.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container up to 7 days.
Recipe Notes
Equipment
- stirring utensil or electric hand mixer
- airtight container
Nutrition
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on brands, ingredients, and portions.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can, but they often contain anti-caking ingredients, affecting flavor and texture.
You can substitute roasted red peppers for pimentos, which are equally delicious!
I don't recommend it as it makes the texture too smooth and loses the feel that comes with an old fashioned pimento cheese recipe.
Yes! You can freeze it for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe storage container and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Carol says
This pimento cheese recipe is the best I’ve ever made. You can adjust the cayenne to suit your taste
Traci Antonovich says
Yayy!! So glad you're enjoying my recipe. And yep, you sure can adjust and I usually go hotter LOL. Thanks for sharing your experience! xoxo
Janet says
I was never a fan of Pimento cheese spread. I've only ever seen it in the store deli as it never look very appetizing. My husband however liked the pimento spread and would occasionally bring some home. I saw this recipe and decided to try a homemade version for him. He absolutely loved it and said it taste much better than "from the store". I admit to liking it as well and felt it was great on crackers.
Traci says
Love hearing this! So glad you gave homemade a try, and I’m thrilled it won you both over. It really does hit differently when it’s made from scratch. Thank you for sharing! xoxo
Ann says
Great recipe. Easy and delicious! It also freezes well.
Traci says
Yayy! I'm so glad you're enjoying it. Freezing is game-changer, especially if you want to make larger quantities. Thanks for sharing your feedback. xoxo
Sue Thiren says
This tastes just like the pimento cheese I had in South Carolina! Delicious! My new favorite cheese spread!
Traci says
That is quite a compliment! It's honestly my favorite cheese spread too, but I'm so glad to know it's getting the same appreciation from you. Thanks for taking the time to leave feedback 🙂 Enjoy!! xoxo
Sherry says
I made this today and my husband said this was the best he had ever had. I’m taking it to a Church gathering tomorrow and I know it will be a hit.
Thanks!
Traci says
Yayy!! That makes me so happy to hear! I’m honored it got such a great review and I hope it’s a big hit at your gathering too. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know! xoxo
Judy says
Pimento cheese dip recipe is delicious. I added red peppers, fresh parsley, celery, and a little Fresh graded
turmeric to spice it up.
Traci says
Nice! Sounds like you made it all your own and sounds delicious! Thanks for leaving feedback. Enjoy! xoxo
Maeibeth.P. Eagle River, WI says
I have made this recipe several times! We grew up eating pimento cheese, and the stuff you can buy in jars at the grocery store just doesn't cut it! My family raves about this! We use it on crackers, but it makes a great grilled cheese sandwich too!!
Traci says
I love knowing that you and your family love this so much and I love the ways you're using it! Thank you for trying my recipe and for taking the time to leave this feedback. Enjoy! xoxo
Janet says
I made the Pimento Cheese Dip for my family and they absolutely loved it. Best of left to sit a room temp as the serving tip suggested.
Traci says
Yayy!! I'm so glad you went for it and loved it as much as we do! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave feedback. Much appreciated! Enjoy!
TJ says
Brought your pimento cheese to a party over the weekend and it disappeared! Everyone loved the Southern touch it brought to the event. And you cannot beat how fast and easy it is. 10/10!