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This Southern-style Pimento Cheese Dip whips up in minutes and adds down-home flair to any spread. Mixing gooey sharp cheddar with velvety cream cheese and zesty pimento peppers makes a mellow, tasty blend that's great with crackers, fresh veggies, or slapped between bread slices. This adaptable Southern favorite works wonders at gatherings, community dinners, or as a quick bite, and it tastes even better when you make it a day early.
What Makes This Dip Special
Pimento cheese isn't just any old dip—it's the heart of Southern food culture. Whether you're throwing a party or need something quick to munch on, this spread stands out with its silky-smooth feel, rich cheddar kick, and subtle Worcestershire undertones. You can do so much more than just dip with it: slather it on sandwiches, crown your hamburgers, or stir it into hot dishes for extra creaminess.
What You'll Need
- Main Cheese Mixture:
- 16 oz freshly grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- Flavors and Spices:
- 8 oz drained and chopped pimento peppers from jar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Fun Extra Options:
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped jalapeños
- More grated cheese to sprinkle on top
Easy Preparation Steps
- Mix Your Foundation
- Beat the room-temp cream cheese in a big bowl until it's totally smooth. Stir in the mayo and Worcestershire sauce until everything's well blended.
- Sprinkle in Spices
- Add your garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, salt, and pepper, then mix until they're completely worked through.
- Blend in Cheeses
- Carefully fold your hand-grated cheddar into the mix, making sure it's spread evenly throughout.
- Toss in Pimentos
- Gently mix in your drained, chopped pimento peppers. If you want some heat, now's when you'd add sriracha or jalapeños.
- Let It Mingle
- Cover the bowl and stick it in your fridge for at least 4 hours or leave it overnight so all those flavors can get friendly.
Insider Tips
Don't skip letting the cream cheese warm up first for the creamiest results. Always grate cheese yourself instead of buying the pre-shredded stuff for better melting. Make sure to really dry those pimentos to keep extra water out. Take the dip out of the fridge about 30 minutes before guests arrive so it's easier to scoop. Taste it after chilling since the flavors will get stronger overnight.
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Perfect Pairing Ideas
Enjoy with different crackers, celery pieces, or carrot sticks. Smear it on bread for quick sandwiches or burgers. Stuff small tomatoes or jalapeños for finger food. Use it to upgrade your grilled cheese game. Top off baked potatoes or mix into twice-baked spuds. Goes great on snack boards next to other dips and nibbles.
Keeping It Fresh
Keep your dip in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. Make it a day or two ahead for even better taste. Don't try freezing it or you'll mess up the texture. Let it sit out a bit before serving so it's not too stiff. For bigger get-togethers, split it into smaller containers so you can keep some cold until you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why let it sit before serving?
- Chilling makes it firm, so leaving it out for 30 minutes lets it soften for easy spreading.
- → Is it okay to prepare it earlier?
- Absolutely! Store it in the fridge overnight. The flavors blend and get better over time.
- → How should I serve this dish?
- You’ve got options - use it as a dip with crackers, as a sandwich spread, or even as a burger topping.
- → How long does it stay fresh?
- When refrigerated in a sealed container, it’ll last about seven days.
- → Can the heat level be changed?
- Sure! To add spice, sprinkle cayenne. To tone it down, skip sriracha. The original version is pretty mild.