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This pimento cheese dip is famous in the South for good reason. This pimento dip is made with cream cheese, mayonnaise, two types of cheddar cheeses, chopped pimentos, cayenne pepper, and a touch of salt.
We could not eat enough pimento cheese dip when we visited the South. We ordered it as an appetizer at every single restaurant we visited in Charleston and Savannah. It is lovingly referred to as “the caviar of the South” and I have to agree!
When we were driving through Georgia, my husband, who is an avid golfer, had to stop by Augusta National Golf Course in Georgia to peek in at the beauty of it. The Master’s Golf Tournament is played every year in the same place and they are known for their famous pimento cheese sandwiches, served on basic white bread.
This is the beloved weekend where golf fanatics everywhere are glued to the TV and since we live in Arizona and can’t order a pimento cheese sandwich, I made one for him to celebrate his favorite golf tournament.
What is Pimento Cheese Spread made of?
What are the ingredients in pimento cheese? Pimento Cheese Spread can be made with different variations of ingredients but generally, it is made with cream cheese, mayonnaise, chopped pimentos from a jar, cheddar cheese, cayenne pepper, and salt. You can add in hot sauce, jalapenos, and more cayenne for extra spice.
Why you will love Pimento Cheese:
Flavor: The combination of sharp cheese, creamy mayonnaise, and sweet pimentos creates a crowd pleasing appetizer.
Versatility: It can be served as a dip, spread, or filling. Spread it on a sandwich, a burger, a cracker, or a veggie!
It is easy to make: It’s simple to make with readily available ingredients, yet it has a great flavor payout.
What are pimentos?
A pimento is a cherry pepper that is usually red in color. Pimento peppers are small heart-shaped sweet peppers with a mild flavor and are considered mild on the heat scale. Pimento peppers are mild, sweet, and not considered spicy but offer a good flavor payout. They are generally pickled, chopped, and served in jars.
What do you eat Pimento Cheese Dip with?
Pimento Cheese Dip can be eaten in many ways. You can eat it as an appetizer or as an entire meal on a sandwich or burger.
- Pimento dip can be eaten sandwiched between two slices of soft white bread
- Crackers, French bread baguette slices, tortilla chips, carrots, and celery can be dipped into the pimento cheese dip
- Folded into the deviled eggs mixture
- Used as a spread for paninis or hot sandwiches
- Placed on top of burgers as a spread or topping
Should Pimento Dip be served cold?
Yes! Since it is a cream cheese and mayonnaise-based dip it is important to serve cold. I suggest chilling the pimento cheese dip until ready to serve guests or use as a spread.
How to make Pimento Cheese Dip:
- Start by softening the cream cheese so it easily incorporates into the other ingredients. I suggest using a stand mixer, such as a Kitchenaid, or a hand mixer for this recipe to make sure you get the cream cheese and mayonnaise mixture extra creamy. You can stir it by hand as well but just make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature.
- Chop the jarred pimentos. Fold into the cream cheese mixture. Grate the mild cheddar and sharp cheddar cheeses and fold them into the pimento dip.
- Season it with cayenne pepper, a touch of salt to taste, and hot sauce, if so desired.
FAQ’s:
Absolutely! Pimento cheese actually tastes better when made ahead and allowed to chill. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Yes, while sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, and even Monterey Jack are traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like smoked gouda or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
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Pimento Cheese Dip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounce Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 cup Mild Cheddar Cheese * (grated)
- 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (grated)
- 1/4 cup to 4 ounces Pimentos ** (chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Add the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise into a medium mixing bowl. Mix together until light, creamy, and fluffy.
- Fold in mild cheddar, and sharp cheddar cheeses. Stir in chopped pimentos, cayenne pepper, and salt.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Let chill for at least 30 minutes.
Notes
- I suggest grating a block of cheddar cheese rather than buying the pre-shredded cheese. It has a much better flavor and is creamier.
- Pimentos can be found pickled in a jar in the grocery store. Start by adding 1/4 cup and add more if so desired.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Love this dip! Made it for a party and it was gone so fast!
The best dip! I could not stop eating it!
This sounds delightful, I definitely have to give it a try