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This Southern-style Pimento Cheese Dip comes together in minutes and adds country flair to any meal. Combining sharp cheddar with soft cream cheese and zesty pimento peppers makes a mellow, tasty spread that works great with chips, fresh veggies, or between bread slices. This adaptable Southern favorite fits any occasion from game nights to family snacks, and tastes even better when prepared a day early.
What Makes This Spread Special
Pimento cheese isn't just any dip—it's a beloved Southern tradition. Whenever you're throwing a party or need something quick to munch on, this mixture stands out with its smooth consistency, rich cheddar taste, and subtle Worcestershire kick. You can use it tons of ways beyond dipping: slap it on a sandwich, pile it on hamburgers, or mix it into your favorite baked recipes.
What You'll Need
- Main Mixture:
- 16 oz extra-sharp cheddar cheese, hand-grated
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- Flavors and Spices:
- 8 oz jar pimento peppers, patted dry and chopped
- 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
- Extra Kicks:
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped jalapeños
- More grated cheese to sprinkle on top
How To Make It
- Mix Your Base
- In a big bowl, whip the room temperature cream cheese until it's nice and fluffy. Stir in the mayo and Worcestershire sauce until everything looks smooth.
- Sprinkle In Seasonings
- Add your garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, salt, and pepper, then stir until they're all mixed in good.
- Blend In The Cheese
- Carefully stir the freshly grated cheddar into your mixture, making sure it's spread out evenly.
- Stir In Peppers
- Gently mix in your dried pimentos. If you want more heat, now's when you'd add the sriracha or jalapeños.
- Let It Sit
- Cover your dip and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, but leaving it overnight works even better.
Tricks For The Best Results
Don't forget to warm up your cream cheese before starting. Always shred the cheese yourself instead of buying the packaged stuff. Make sure you've dried those pimentos really well. Take the dip out about half an hour before you plan to eat it. You might need to add more salt after it's chilled as the flavors get stronger.
Serving Ideas
Pair it with different crackers, celery, or carrot sticks. Smear it on your sandwich or burger. Fill little tomatoes or hot peppers for a tasty bite. Use it to make the best grilled cheese ever. Drop some on top of baked potatoes. It's great as part of a big snack board with other dips.
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Keeping It Fresh
Keep your dip in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. Make it a couple days ahead for the best taste. Don't try freezing it as it'll get grainy. Let it warm up a bit before serving. When hosting a party, split it into smaller bowls so you can keep some cold until you need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why let it warm up before serving?
- When chilled, it becomes firm. Letting it sit for about 30 minutes makes it creamy and easy to spread again.
- → Can you make it early?
- Yep, prep it the day before and chill it. It tastes even better as the flavors meld together overnight.
- → How do I serve this best?
- You can dip crackers and veggies in it, spread it on sandwiches, or even put it on burgers!
- → How long does it last?
- It’ll keep in the fridge up to a week if stored in an airtight container.
- → How spicy can I make this?
- Up the heat with cayenne, or skip the sriracha for less spice. It’s mild as is.