Cheesy, tangy and creamy Pimento cheese It’s a classic party dip and spread made with cheddar cheese and sweet pimento pepper. This easy southern appetizer is a game day must. You will see why!
Spread it on my sweet potato cookies for a true southern treat!
Creamy pimento cheese recipe
If you’re reading this in the South, you already are know What’s going down in this kitchen. In our house, it’s hardly game day or a gathering unless there’s a big bowl of creamy pimento cheese on the table. I figured it was time to share my recipe with you.
Pimento cheese is a favorite Southern dip recipe that is ultra creamy, super cheesy, dipable and spreadable. It’s right up there with spinach and artichoke dip as a must-try appetizer. If you’ve never tried it, prepare to be obsessed!
Why you’ll love this easy dip idea
I can almost guarantee that this classic dip will become a staple in your household. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Lots of flavor. This amazing cheese dip is a little sweet, a little tangy, and it can even be a little spicy, depending on how you like it.
- Super easy. Combine the ingredients, then let the dip sit in the fridge until you’re ready to dig in. This!
- Perfect for game day. None of our football parties are complete without homemade pimento cheese spread on everything from crackers to vegetables. It’s perfect for dipping and coating.
What is pimento cheese?
Pimento cheese is a classic southern appetizer that sees cheddar cheese and pimento peppers turned into a creamy dip (which doubles as a sandwich spread). In some countries, it is known as Pata South. Spread it on everything from croissants to crackers, and use it as a cheesy dip for vegetables and more.
Are pimento peppers hot?
Pimento peppers are one of the mildest types of chili peppers, with a taste that is usually sweet rather than hot. In fact, pimentos are also known as cherry peppers due to their sweetness and bright red color.
If you like your dip spicy, increase the heat with jarred hot red peppers instead of the mild roasted red peppers used in this recipe. You can also add finely diced jalapeños.
Ingredients you will need
Here’s a quick rundown of the short list of ingredients you’ll need to make this famous pimento pepper dip. Be sure to scroll to the recipe card for the full recipe details.
- Cheddar cheese: Be sure to use freshly grated cheddar and not the kind that comes pre-grated. I like to make this recipe with sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese.
- Cream cheese: Before that, let the cream garden reach room temperature, so that it will be easier to mix.
- Pimento peppers: I love the convenience of jarred pimentos or roasted red peppers. Dry them and cut them into thin cubes.
- mayonnaise: Adding mayo makes the consistency of the dip even richer and creamier.
- spice: Everyone has a different way of seasoning their pimento cheese! I use a combination of cayenne pepper for kick, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder and salt and pepper to taste.
How to make pimento cheese
It couldn’t be easier to make homemade pimento cheese. Just throw all the ingredients into a bowl and mix well. After combining the dip, put it in the refrigerator for at least two hours. Chilling the cheese dip allows the flavors to come together before serving.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! As mentioned, you want to give this recipe enough time in the refrigerator. This makes pimento cheese very friendly. Prepare the dip according to the instructions a day or two in advance, then leave it covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it.
Tips for success
Here are some more tips for the best pimento cheese:
- Grate the fresh cheese with your hands. Skip the cheese bags when making pimento cheese, as pre-shredded cheddar comes with a waxy coating that affects the taste and texture of the dip.
- If you are sensitive to spices, Omit the cayenne pepper in the recipe. You are welcome to adjust the other spices according to taste.
- Speed things up with your hand mixer. If I’m in a rush, I’ll use my electric hand mixer to combine the dip ingredients. Whatever you do, avoid the food processor as you still want the texture of this dip to stay nice and fluffy.
How to serve pimento cheese
As a dip, serve pimento cheese with seasoned crackers, tortilla chips, pita chips or crudités. We love to include it on a game day appetizer table alongside other favorites like these Crispy Crab Balls, Cheesy Chicken Taquitos and Philly Cheesesteak Sliders.
Whenever I have a batch in the fridge, I’ll spread this red pepper dip on my morning bagel. This recipe also makes a great spread on a pimento grilled cheese sandwich and a delicious, flavorful burger topping. Plus, it’s delicious to add to extra cheesy recipes like my Stovetop Mac and Cheese!
Residue storage
This easy appetizer recipe keeps well, so you can enjoy leftovers for days afterward! Here’s how to store your pimento cheese:
- refrigerator: This cheddar and red pepper dip can be kept sealed in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- freezer: I don’t recommend freezing cheese based dips as they tend to go grainy after thawing. Lucky for you, this recipe is easy to whip up and keep in the fridge!
More appetizers and light dips
Description
creamy Pimento cheese He dips and spreads a classic southern appetizer made with cheddar cheese and sweet pimento pepper. It’s a must on game day!
- 2 cups Grated sharp cheddar cheese, not pre-shredded
- 6 oz Cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/3 cup Finely diced roasted red peppers, pat dry
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix until a uniform and creamy mixture is obtained. Put in the fridge for two hours to allow the flavors to combine.
- Serve with crackers, pita chips, tortilla chips, or as a spread on sandwiches, as a hamburger topper or on a bagel
Keywords: Pimento cheese, pimento cheese recipe, pimento cheese dip
