Pimento Cheese Dip Recipe

Like a cherished family heirloom passed down through generations, pimento cheese dip holds a special place in Southern cuisine. You’ll find this creamy, sharp blend of hand-grated cheddar and diced pimentos in countless kitchens across the region, each with its own signature twist. Whether you’re spreading it on celery sticks or melting it into a gourmet grilled cheese, mastering this classic recipe will reveal the true essence of Southern hospitality. Let’s explore the proper techniques to create your own perfect batch.

Overview

• Blend room-temperature cream cheese with hand-grated sharp cheddar cheese and well-drained pimentos until thoroughly combined.
• Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder while continuously stirring for even distribution.
• Chill the dip in an airtight container for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
• Bring to room temperature before serving with crackers, vegetables, or using as a sandwich spread.
• Store in refrigerator for up to one week, ensuring proper seal to maintain freshness and texture.

Recipe

This classic Southern staple combines the sharp bite of cheddar cheese with creamy textures and the distinctive tang of pimentos, creating a versatile spread that’s earned its reputation as “The Caviar of the South.” The key to achieving the perfect consistency lies in using freshly grated cheese and allowing adequate time for the flavors to meld together.

When preparing this dip, room temperature ingredients are important for achieving the smoothest blend possible. The cream cheese should be properly softened, and the cheddar cheese freshly grated to guarantee the best texture and flavor development. While a food processor can be used for mixing, be careful not to over-process, as this can affect the final texture.

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 4 ounces diced pimentos, drained
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Combine softened cream cheese and mayonnaise in a large bowl until smooth
2. Add grated cheddar cheese and drained pimentos
3. Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt
4. Stir thoroughly until well combined
5. Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours before serving
6. Bring to room temperature before serving

Cooking Steps

Start by grating 16 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese yourself, ensuring the strands are fresh and free from anti-caking agents.

You’ll want to thoroughly soften your cream cheese before combining it with mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt until perfectly smooth.

Finally, fold in your carefully drained pimentos, mixing just until they’re evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.

Step 1. Grate Fresh Cheddar Cheese

Before mixing any other ingredients, freshly grating the sharp cheddar cheese guarantees your pimento dip will have the ideal texture and maximum flavor. You’ll need 16 ounces of high-quality sharp cheddar at room temperature, which makes grating easier and ensures optimal cheese texture.

Using the large holes of a box grater, firmly press the cheese while moving downward in long, steady strokes. Don’t use pre-shredded cheese, as it contains anti-caking agents that’ll compromise your dip’s consistency. The cheese freshness is paramount – look for blocks with vibrant color and no dry edges.

You’ll notice the freshly grated cheese has a fluffy, tender quality that’ll blend perfectly with other ingredients. For best results, grate directly into your mixing bowl to preserve the cheese’s natural oils and prevent clumping.

Step 2. Soften Cream Cheese Thoroughly

With the freshly grated cheddar ready, proper cream cheese softening becomes your next key step. You’ll want your cream cheese at true room temperature, which takes about 2 hours on your counter. For quicker results, cut the 8-ounce block into 1-inch cubes and let them stand for 30 minutes.

You’ll know your cream cheese has reached the ideal pliable texture when it yields easily to gentle pressure from your finger. Don’t rush this process by microwaving, as that can create hot spots and affect the final texture of your pimento cheese. If you’re pressed for time, place the unwrapped cream cheese between two sheets of parchment paper and gently roll it with a rolling pin until it’s perfectly spreadable.

Step 3. Mix in Seasoning Powders

Once your cream cheese and mayonnaise are thoroughly combined, you’ll want to incorporate the seasonings with precision to achieve that signature pimento cheese flavor profile. Add your garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt in measured amounts, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.

For ideal texture adjustment, sprinkle the seasonings gradually while stirring continuously, rather than adding them all at once. You’ll find that this method prevents clumping and allows for better flavor customization. If you’re using a food processor, pulse briefly after adding each seasoning to maintain control over the final consistency. Remember, you can always add more seasoning to taste, but you can’t take it away – so start with the recommended measurements and adjust according to your preference.

Step 4. Blend Mayo and Cream Cheese

The critical first step in creating authentic pimento cheese dip begins with properly blending your softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. You’ll want to guarantee your cream cheese has reached room temperature – about 30 minutes on the counter should do it – before combining it with the mayo. This prevents any unwanted lumps in your final product.

Using a sturdy wooden spoon or electric mixer, blend these two ingredients until you achieve a perfectly smooth texture. You’re looking for an even mixture with no visible streaks of cream cheese. Don’t rush this step; proper incorporation here establishes the foundation for your entire dip.

Once you’ve achieved that silky consistency, you’ll have the perfect base to welcome your remaining ingredients, especially the sharp cheddar and pimentos.

Step 5. Add Drained Pimentos Last

Properly draining your pimentos marks a pivotal final step before incorporating them into your cheese mixture. You’ll want to place the pimentos in a fine-mesh strainer and gently press with the back of a spoon to remove excess liquid. This technique guarantees your dip maintains its ideal consistency while letting the cheese flavor shine through.

Once drained, fold the pimentos into your cheese mixture with a gentle hand. You’re aiming to distribute them evenly without overmixing, which could break down their distinctive texture. This measured approach helps balance pimento flavor throughout the dip without overwhelming the sharp cheddar notes. If you notice any liquid pooling after mixing, give the pimentos another quick press in the strainer before incorporating them fully into your Southern-style spread.

Top Tips

Making perfect pimento cheese depends on several critical techniques that elevate its texture and flavor. For the best results, always grate your cheddar cheese fresh, as pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that’ll compromise the dip’s creamy consistency. You’ll want to guarantee your cream cheese has fully softened at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.

After combining all ingredients, refrigerate thoroughly for at least two hours to allow the flavors to meld completely. When you’re ready to serve, let the dip come to room temperature – this ensures ideal spreadability and brings out the sharp cheddar notes. Store your pimento cheese in an airtight container, and it’ll keep fresh for up to a week in the refrigerator. Remember to drain those pimentos well to prevent excess moisture.

Nutritional Guide

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	180
Total Fat	16g
Saturated Fat	8g
Cholesterol	40mg
Sodium	320mg
Carbohydrates	2g
Protein	8g
Calcium	200mg

Nutritional Notes:

• High in protein and calcium due to cheese content
• Contains healthy fats from mayonnaise and cheese
• Low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb diets
• Good source of vitamin A from pimentos
• Contains moderate sodium levels

Disclaimer: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific brands and products used in preparation. Values provided are estimates based on standard ingredients. Those with specific dietary requirements should calculate exact values based on their chosen ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Pimento cheese dip stands as one of the South’s most versatile and rewarding homemade spreads. You’ll find this Southern comfort classic brings an authentic taste of regional tradition to your table, whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or preparing a quick weeknight snack. The key to achieving the perfect texture lies in hand-grating your cheese and allowing proper chill time.

This crowd-pleasing delight offers endless serving possibilities – from classic crackers and crudités to gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and burger toppings. You’ve now mastered a cherished recipe that’s been bringing people together for generations. Remember to store your pimento cheese properly, and don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. With this recipe in your repertoire, you’re ready to share a genuine piece of Southern hospitality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Freeze Pimento Cheese Dip?

You can freeze your pimento cheese for up to 2 months, but you’ll notice texture changes when thawed. For best results, store it in an airtight container and let it thaw overnight in your refrigerator.

What Cheese Alternatives Work Well for a Milder Flavor?

You’ll get a milder flavor using mild cheddar cheese instead of sharp. Try combining it with low-fat cream cheese or even Monterey Jack. Colby or Havarti can also work beautifully while maintaining that creamy, spreadable texture.

How Spicy Are Pimentos Compared to Regular Bell Peppers?

You’ll find pimentos are actually quite mild, with a flavor profile similar to red bell peppers but slightly sweeter. Their heat intensity is minimal – they’re about 100-500 Scoville units, making them perfect for most palates.

Why Did My Pimento Cheese Become Watery After Storage?

Like tears in your dip, excess moisture occurs when you’ve used pre-shredded cheese. You’ll get better results by grating fresh cheese and ensuring proper storage in an airtight container to prevent moisture accumulation.

Can I Use Homemade Mayonnaise Instead of Store-Bought?

Yes, you can use homemade mayo! It’ll give your dip great texture, but remember homemade mayo shelf life is shorter. For best results, use it within 2-3 days and keep an eye on consistency.