Pimento Cheese Dip

If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, this baked Pimento Cheese Dip is about to steal the show. Warm, creamy, and loaded with sharp cheddar, tangy pimentos, and just the right blend of savory spices, this oven-baked version takes a Southern classic to irresistible new heights. Perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, or anytime snacking, this easy pimento cheese dip comes together quickly and delivers loads of flavor in every gooey, cheesy bite. Serve it bubbling hot with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh veggies, and watch it disappear fast.

Easy Pimento Cheese Dip Recipe

If you spend any time in the South, it doesn’t take long to realize that pimento cheese isn’t just a snack, it’s a Southern staple. We grow up on it, tend to argue about whose recipe is best, and show up to gatherings fully expecting to see a bowl of it somewhere on the table. It’s the kind of thing that appears at everything from church potlucks to tailgates, usually surrounded by crackers and a crowd.

Everyone has their own spin, extra sharp cheddar, a little kick of spice, maybe even a secret ingredient they swear makes it “the best you’ve ever had.” But no matter how it’s made, pimento cheese carries a kind of comfort and nostalgia that runs deep in Southern kitchens. It’s simple, tried and true, and always a welcome sight on our snack table.

Checkout this quick list of key ingredients you’ll need to make baked Pimento Cheese Dip: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

Cheese – Shredded sharp cheddar cheese gives this dip a sharp tangy flavor.
Pimentos – Diced pimento gives pimento cheese its signature flavor.
Mayo – Mayonnaise is classic to use in pimento cheese for a creamy texture and flavor.
Cream Cheese – Chive and onion cream cheese expands the flavor profile.
Sour Cream – Sour cream for a creamy texture.
Spices – Garlic salt, onion powder, ground mustard, garlic powder paprika and black pepper.
Hot Sauce – A few dashes hot sauce for a hint of spice.
Onion – Green onions for a mild onion flavor.
Serving – Tortilla chips, fresh veggies, crackers, baguette, fritos for dipping.

How to Make Pimento Cheese Dip Recipe

Prep the Cheese – Shred the cheddar cheese. Freshly grated cheese has the best flavor!
Heat Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish – Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 2 quart shallow baking dish with cooking spray.
Whip Filling – Use an electric mixer on medium speed to whip together the mayonnaise, cream cheese, sour cream, reserved pimento juice, garlic salt, onion powder, dry mustard, paprika, black pepper and hot sauce for 1-2 minutes to combine.
Add Cheese and Pimentos – By hand fold in the cheddar cheese, pimento and green onions.
Transfer Pimento Cheese Mixture to Dish – Pour cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with reserved 1 cup cheese.,
Oven – Place into the oven and bake per the recipe until bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown.
Serve warm with tortilla chips, veggies, crackers, baguette, fritos for dipping.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Southern Pimento Cheese Dip

10-inch baking dish or cast iron skillet.
Cheese grater to grate your own cheese.
Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
Large bowl and rubber spatula.
Knife and chopping board.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

Cheese – Classic Southern pimento cheese is usually made with sharp cheddar cheese. That said, you can make it with extra-sharp cheddar cheese, smoked gouda cheese, colby jack cheese or spicy pepper jack cheese.
Spices – You could add a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
Protein– You could add crispy bacon this hot pimento cheese dip for a smoky flavor.
Peppers – Add diced jalapeños for a spicy flavor.
Mayo – You can use your favorite brand of mayonnaise. I use Duke’s.
Onion– You can use finely minced sweet onion or yellow onion for a stronger onion flavor.
Fresh Herbs – You could use fresh chives in place of green onion for a milder onion flavor.

Storage and Leftovers

Make-Ahead Tips and Tricks – You can fully assemble this dip one day in advance, cover with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge. Remove from the fridge and let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes or so, then bake per the recipe just before serving.
Leftovers – Store leftover Pimento Cheese Dip covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating – Reheat in a preheated 350 degree f oven or in single servings in the microwave.
Freezer – I don’t recommend freezing this dip. The mayonnaise can separate when thawing.

More Dip Recipes to Make

Tangy Dill Pickle Dip is addictive!
You may have everything you need in your cupboard to make Homemade Ranch Dip.
Baked Mexican Fiesta Dip.
No fuss Million Dollar Dip.
Marry Me Chicke n Dip is a fan favorite!
Creamy Bean Dip for your next downhome fiesta.
Buffalo Chicken Dip is a riff on all of the flavors we love about spicy buffalo wings.
Make your own Homemade French Onion Dip one time and you’ll be hooked!
Easy Shrimp Dip recipe.
Best Hummus Recipe from Food Network.

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