Description
Pimento cheese dip delivers creamy Southern comfort straight to your gathering, melting hearts with its cheesy goodness. Warm bread or crisp crackers make the perfect companion for scooping up this classic crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 4 oz jar diced pimentos
Flavor Enhancers:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Seasonings:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Crackers
Instructions
- Warm your oven to precisely 350°F, preparing a cozy environment for your cheesy creation.
- Grab a medium mixing bowl and combine 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 8 oz softened cream cheese, ½ cup mayonnaise, 4 oz drained pimentos, 1 minced garlic clove, ½ tsp paprika, and ¼ tsp cayenne pepper.
- Blend all ingredients thoroughly, working the mixture until it reaches a smooth, uniform consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, sprinkling salt and black pepper until the flavor sings.
- Transfer the creamy mixture into an 8-inch disposable aluminum foil pan, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Slide the pan into the 350°F oven, letting it bake uncovered for exactly 20 minutes.
- Watch for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges signaling the dip has reached perfect deliciousness.
- Remove from the oven and allow 5 minutes of cooling time to let the flavors settle and prevent tongue burns.
- Serve alongside your favorite crackers, bread slices, crisp vegetables, or chips for dipping.
Notes
- Always use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Shred your own cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded to get better melting and richer flavor.
- For a spicier version, add extra cayenne pepper or swap in a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat.
- If watching calories, substitute low-fat cream cheese and use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dip.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg