Pimento Cheese Dip Recipe
Introduction
Pimento cheese dip is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful Southern classic that’s perfect for snacking or entertaining. Made with sharp cheddar, creamy cheese, and sweet pimentos, it’s an irresistible spread that’s quick to prepare and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
- 7 ounces Cabot Creamery® Vermont Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 7 ounces Pimiento Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 stalk Scallion
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimiento pepper, salt, and half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into a food processor. Pulse until well combined, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
- Step 2: Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl. Stir in the remaining shredded cheddar cheese by hand until evenly mixed.
- Step 3: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Step 4: Garnish with chopped scallion and extra pimentos before serving. Enjoy with veggie sticks, crackers, or your favorite dippables.
Tips & Variations
- For extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dip.
- Try mixing in some finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- Use sharp cheddar from your favorite local creamery to enhance flavor complexity.
Storage
Store the pimento cheese dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes and stir well. If it thickens too much, mix in a teaspoon of mayonnaise or cream to soften.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make pimento cheese dip ahead of time?
Yes, making it a few hours or even a day ahead lets the flavors blend beautifully, making it taste even better.
What are good serving ideas for pimento cheese dip?
This dip pairs wonderfully with crackers, toasted bread, fresh vegetable sticks, or as a sandwich spread for a tasty twist.
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Pimento Cheese Dip Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups 1x
Description
This creamy and tangy Pimento Cheese Dip is a classic Southern appetizer combining sharp Vermont cheddar, pimentos, and cream cheese into a smooth, flavorful spread perfect for parties or casual snacking. Its simple preparation in a food processor makes it quick to whip up, while chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Ingredients
Dairy
- 7 ounces Cabot Creamery® Vermont Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
Condiments & Spices
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Vegetables
- 7 ounces Pimiento Peppers
- 1 stalk Scallion, thinly sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Combine base ingredients: Place 4 ounces of cream cheese, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 7 ounces pimiento peppers, 1 teaspoon salt, and half of the shredded 7 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese into a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and well combined, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed to ensure an even blend.
- Add remaining cheese: Transfer the processed mixture to a mixing bowl and stir in the remaining half of the shredded cheddar cheese to create a balanced texture with a slight chunkiness.
- Chill: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dip for at least one hour. This resting time allows the flavors to develop and marry for a richer taste.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, garnish the dip with thinly sliced scallion and chopped pimentos for color and extra flavor. Serve with veggie sticks, crackers, or bread for an inviting appetizer.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce during blending.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor contrast with the creamy base.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to blend easily and prevent lumps.
- Can be made a day ahead; flavors deepen with time.
- Store leftovers tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Southern American
Keywords: Pimento Cheese Dip, Southern appetizer, creamy cheese dip, party dip, pimentos, cheddar cheese
