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This creamy, cheesy pimento cheese dip is a Southern classic that’s perfect for parties, game days, or an easy snack at home. Made with shredded cheese, diced pimentos, and a simple creamy base, this recipe for pimento cheese dip comes together in minutes and tastes even better after it chills.
For more crowd-pleasing dip recipes to bring to your next party, try my Rotel Dip and Crab Rangoon Dip.
Why you’ll love this recipe for pimento cheese dip!
I love pimento cheese, but it can be difficult to find at my local grocery stores. So, I make my own instead! Trust me, this easy homemade pimento cheese dip is a powerhouse recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. It’s a southern staple that’s great for game days, baby showers, or a fun movie night at home!
Mix and match different ingredients and spices to suit your preferences, and you’ll have an appetizer or snack no one can resist. Pair it with crackers, sliced carrots, radishes, and celery for dipping!
- Easy to make: There’s no cooking required—just mix everything together and it’s ready to go in about 10 minutes.
- Classic and comforting: Sharp cheddar, creamy mayo, and sweet pimentos create that signature Southern taste that’s rich, tangy, and totally irresistible.
- Perfect for just about any occasion: Serve it at parties, game days, potlucks, or keep a container in the fridge for quick snacks and easy lunches.
- It doubles as a dip and a spread: Scoop it with crackers, pile it onto sandwiches, or use it to top burgers or baked potatoes.
If you’re a fan of dips, be sure to make my Pretzel Cheese Dip and Creamy and Cheesy Refried Bean Dip, too.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
All of the ingredients for the dip are easy to find at your local grocery store!
You’ll find the full list of ingredients with measurements in the recipe card below.
- Cream cheese – Use full-fat, brick-style cream cheese, not cream cheese from a tub.
- Mayonnaise – Helps create that signature smooth, spreadable texture.
- Seasonings – You’ll need paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – For the best taste and texture, skip using pre-shredded cheese. Instead, buy a block of cheddar and grate it yourself.
- Diced pimento peppers – Mild, slightly sweet peppers that give the dip its classic flavor.
- Jalapeño pepper – Don’t forget to remove the membrane and seeds!
Variations
- Add a different flavor of shredded cheese. You can do Pepperjack, Monterey cheddar, or any combination you like. Or, sprinkle extra sharp cheddar cheese on top for even more sharp, cheesy flavor.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Top with bacon crumbles for an extra salty kick.
- Include roasted red peppers, fresh red bell peppers, or cherry peppers for added flavor and texture.
How to Make Pimento Cheese Dip
This recipe comes together easily with just a few steps and no baking or cooking required!
- Combine: Add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and cheddar cheese to a food processor.
- Process: Pulse to combine.
- Add next ingredients: Add the pimento peppers, jalapeno, salt, and pepper
- Finish: Pulse again. Enjoy immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
The best part about this recipe for pimento cheese dip is that it goes so well with just about anything! Try spreading it in sandwiches or wraps like a Cheese and Veggie Sandwich or a grilled cheese sandwich. Or, pair it with dippers such as:
- Pita chips
- Toasted bread cubes
- White bread
- Crackers
- Sliced celery or carrots
- Sliced radish
Storage Suggestions
- Refrigerator: Store this pimento cheese dip in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Don’t freeze pimento cheese; because it’s made with mayo, it will separate when thawed.
- Make ahead: Prepare up to 2 days in advance for best flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditional pimento cheese is made with cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimentos. Many recipes also include cream cheese or seasonings.
It’s delicious with crackers, pretzels, fresh vegetables, or spread on sandwiches.
Stored in an airtight container, it will last up to 4–5 days in the refrigerator.
Sharp cheddar is the classic choice because it gives the dip a bold, tangy flavor, but you can use any you like!
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Pimento Cheese Dip
Equipment
- 1 food processor
Ingredients
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup pimento peppers canned, chopped
- 1 jalapeno seeds removed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add the cream cheese, mayonnaise, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and cheddar cheese to a food processor and pulse to combine.6 ounces cream cheese, ¼ cup mayonnaise, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1½ cups cheddar cheese
- Add the pimento peppers, jalapeno, salt, and pepper and pulse again.½ cup pimento peppers, 1 jalapeno, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Enjoy right away or store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Video
Notes
- If you prefer a chunkier dip, don’t pulse in the food processor for quite as long. You can also just dice the peppers and stir the ingredients together by hand!
- Let the dip sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best texture.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother dip.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Creamy, spicy, and perfectly chunky—this Pimento Cheese Dip is the ultimate quick appetizer!
Creamy, spicy, and perfectly chunky—this Pimento Cheese Dip is the ultimate quick appetizer!
Easy appetizer everyone will enjoy!
Homemade pimento cheese always hits different
I’ve made this twice now and it’s even better the second time.
I’ve been making this on repeat—it’s just that good!