If there is one appetizer I find myself making over and over again for special occasions, it is this incredible pimento cheese dip. Whether I am hosting a Kentucky Derby party, putting together a spread for a Masters golf theme party, or setting up a beautiful Easter brunch buffet, this pimento cheese dip is always the star of the table. It is one of my absolute favorite dishes to serve because it is creamy, tangy, a little bit indulgent, and it pairs perfectly with just about everything. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to party appetizer too.
There is something so wonderfully Southern and nostalgic about pimento cheese. It brings people together, sparks conversations, and disappears from the table faster than almost anything else I put out. Best of all, it is incredibly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, which means less stress and more time enjoying your guests.
What Is Pimento Cheese Dip?
Table of Contents
Pimento cheese dip is a beloved Southern classic made with sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, diced pimentos, mayonnaise, and a handful of seasonings. It is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. While it has deep roots in Southern cooking, pimento cheese has gained popularity all over the country and has become a staple at parties, tailgates, and holiday gatherings alike.
Classic Pimento Cheese Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 8 oz extra sharp white cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 jar (4 oz) diced pimentos, drained
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese. Shred both the sharp cheddar and white cheddar cheese by hand using a box grater. Freshly shredded cheese melts and blends much better than pre-shredded varieties, which are coated in anti-caking agents.
- Blend the base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Use a hand mixer or sturdy spatula to beat them together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the cheese. Fold the shredded cheddar and white cheddar into the cream cheese mixture until everything is well combined.
- Season it. Add the drained pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together until evenly distributed.
- Chill. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The dip tastes even better after a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Serve. Transfer to a beautiful serving bowl, sprinkle with a little extra smoked paprika on top, and serve with your favorite dippers.
Pimento Cheese Dip Variations
One of the best things about pimento cheese dip is how versatile it is. Here are three delicious variations so you can customize it to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
Spicy Pimento Cheese Dip
If you love a little heat, this variation will be your new best friend. To make your pimento cheese dip spicier, add 1 to 2 finely diced jalapeno peppers (seeds removed for medium heat or left in for extra fire). You can also stir in 1 teaspoon of hot sauce such as Tabasco or Frank’s RedHot, increase the cayenne pepper to 1/2 teaspoon, and add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a smoky kick, try mixing in a finely diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. This version is perfect for guests who love bold flavors.
Vegan Pimento Cheese Dip
You absolutely can enjoy pimento cheese dip without any dairy. For a vegan version, substitute the cheddar cheeses with 2 cups of raw cashews that have been soaked in hot water for at least 2 hours and drained. Blend the cashews in a food processor with 1/4 cup nutritional yeast, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, and 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk until smooth and creamy. Replace the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use vegan mayonnaise in place of regular mayo. Add the pimentos and seasonings as listed in the original recipe. The result is a surprisingly rich and flavorful dip that everyone at the party will enjoy, whether they are vegan or not.
Keto-Friendly Pimento Cheese Dip
Great news for anyone following a keto lifestyle: pimento cheese dip is already naturally low in carbs. To make it even more keto-friendly, use full-fat cream cheese, full-fat mayonnaise (check for no added sugar), and make sure your shredded cheese is freshly grated without any starchy coatings. Skip the Worcestershire sauce if yours contains sugar, or use a sugar-free alternative. This dip comes in at roughly 1 to 2 grams of net carbs per serving, making it a perfect keto snack. Serve it with keto-approved dippers like celery sticks, cucumber slices, pork rinds, or low-carb seed crackers.
What to Serve with Pimento Cheese Dip
Half the fun of a great dip is choosing what to dip in it. Here are my favorite ways to serve pimento cheese dip at a party.
Crackers
A classic pairing that never gets old. Choose buttery round crackers, crispy wheat crackers, or everything-seasoned crisps for a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy dip. For a more elegant presentation, try water crackers or seeded flatbread crackers arranged on a beautiful serving board.
Fresh Bread
There is nothing quite like warm, fresh bread with a generous scoop of pimento cheese. Slice up a crusty French baguette, sourdough bread, or soft pretzel bites for dipping. You can also toast crostini in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil for an extra-special touch. For a Southern twist, serve with warm buttermilk biscuits or cornbread squares.
Vegetable Crudite
For a lighter and colorful option, a gorgeous vegetable crudite platter is the way to go. Arrange crisp celery sticks, baby carrots, sliced cucumbers, bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, blanched broccoli florets, sugar snap peas, and radish slices around your bowl of pimento cheese dip. It adds a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich and creamy dip, and it makes your table look absolutely stunning.
Tips for the Best Pimento Cheese Dip
- Always shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated cheese makes a huge difference in texture.
- Let cream cheese soften completely. This ensures a smooth, lump-free dip.
- Make it ahead of time. Pimento cheese dip tastes even better after the flavors have had time to develop in the refrigerator. Make it the night before your party for best results.
- Adjust seasonings to taste. Everyone’s palate is different, so taste as you go and adjust the heat, salt, and tanginess to your liking.
- Bring to room temperature before serving. Take the dip out of the fridge about 15 to 20 minutes before your guests arrive. It spreads and scoops much more easily when it is not ice cold.
Printable Recipe: Classic Pimento Cheese Dip
Recipe from frostedevents.com
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Chill Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 | Calories (approx): 210 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 8 oz extra sharp white cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 jar (4 oz) diced pimentos, drained
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Shred both cheeses by hand using a box grater.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and mayonnaise together until smooth.
- Fold in the shredded cheeses until well combined.
- Add drained pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with smoked paprika, and serve with crackers, bread, or vegetables.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Print this recipe by using Ctrl+P (or Cmd+P on Mac) and selecting only this section, or copy and paste into your favorite recipe manager.
Make This Pimento Cheese Dip for Your Next Party
Whether you are gearing up for the Kentucky Derby, hosting a Masters watch party, or planning a gorgeous Easter brunch, this pimento cheese dip will steal the show. It is easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Your guests will be asking for the recipe before the party is even over.
Did you love this recipe? I would love to hear how it turned out for you. Leave a comment below and let me know which variation you tried or what your favorite dipper is.
Do not forget to PIN THIS recipe for later so you have it ready for your next celebration! And while you are at it, make sure to follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipes, party planning ideas, and entertaining inspiration. We share new ideas every single week and you do not want to miss out.
Happy entertaining!
