Pimento Cheese Dip, savory creamy, cheesy goodness with a kick of spice that seems so decadent yet it’s actually made with lighter ingredients. A classic Southern delight that can be enjoyed on crackers, veggies, and sandwiches. So many possibilities. This goes fast – make a double batch, trust me! Always, always a hit!
I love taking a recipe and remaking it with lighter flavors. That is exactly what I did with this yummo dip. By using light mayo and low-fat cheese, the pimento cheese spread still has amazing flavors yet not completely loaded down with calories.
Pimento Cheese Dip
It is National Cheese Day, and let me tell you, cheese is my weakness! When I made my life change a few years ago, one of the things I could never give up, cheese.
In my early 20’s, when I was a flight attendant, I was in Atlanta for a layover. I often ask the servers what they recommend because obviously, they know their menu. If you have never done that, please do, you will enjoy awesome food! So my server recommended the pimento cheese dip and holy moly was he right, absolutely delicious! I was hooked!
For some odd reason, I didn’t make pimento cheese for a long time. Queue sad face because that was a silly choice on my part! Then, something fabulous happened, our oldest daughter got an internship in South Carolina.
On one of our daily phone calls, she thanked me for teaching her how to make pimento cheese dip because she had it at a restaurant and is now making it regularly for her roommates. I totally forgot I gave her the recipe.
I had that aha moment. It had been way too long since I had made this killer cheese dip, and that was about to change! Call me crazy, but I hear angels sing every time I say Pimento Cheese Dip!
Pimento Cheese Dip: FAQs
What is a pimento?
Pimentos are a pepper. They are sweet and can be grown in your garden. Want more info, check out the article in The Spruce Eats.
What can I substitute for pimentos if I can’t find them?
Pimentos are pretty easy to find, usually in the aisle with jarred pickles and roasted tomatoes. In a bind, use roasted red peppers.
Where did Pimento Cheese Spread originate?
Surprise, surprise, this cheese spread originated in New York! I know, who knew! Like most peope, I thought it was created in the South. I do love food history and regardless of its origin pimento cheese dip is just so darn good,I hope everyone makes it. Serious Eats has the whole pimento history! Yes, they have a history.
How long can the dip be kept in the fridge?
Keep pimento cheese in the fridge for about a week. I do not freeze mine so I cannot speak on that but I don’t recommend freezing as the ingredients may separate in the defrost process.
What is a Pimento Cheese Sandwich?
Pimento Cheese Sandwich is the most amazing sandwich ever. These sandwiches are classically made on white bread. However, I love pimento cheese on pumpernickel bread. I cut the crust off the bread and serve these at brunch, lunch, or tea. Cut the crusts, if feeling fancy. Spread the cheese on the bread, top with another slice of bread. Slice into fourths and your guests will love it. I bring these to a wedding and baby showers, great finger food!
Give Homemade Pimento Cheese Spread as a hostess gift for any party:
Homemade Pimento Cheese Dip makes a great hostess gift! Bring along in a mason jar! Include a cute cheese spreader!
A few appetizers or snacks you can also enjoy:
Having a party, some other fun foods you can make along with Pimento Cheese Dip
Healthy Tuscan Bean Dip, Costco copycat dip that is great as a salad or a dip with chips! So easy and a no-cook bean dip!
Grilled Eggplant Caprese Salad A Caprese Salad to the next level. Grill the eggplant and drizzle Balsamic vinegar on the veggies and cheese. gluten-free, keto.
Are you thirsty?
Weight Watcher Coconut Cucumber Splash: Coconut water, mint,agave, and cucumbers equals hello delicious! mocktail, fat-free.
Ultimate Festive Winter Sangria; Although this is a winter sangria, I can drink this all year. Lots of fruit, club soda, and red wine. YUMMO!
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Tools that you may need to make Pimento Cheese Dip:
Shell Cheese Spreader: Cute cheese spreaders. These have shell handles which I love the beach theme on the handle.
Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer:I have had my Kitchen Aid Mixer forever! Love it!
How to Make Homemade Pimento Cheese Dip:
- In a mixer bowl, use the paddle, add the cream cheese, mayo, and minced garlic and onion powder.
2. Blend for about 1 minute.
3. Add the chopped pimentos, Sriracha or hot sauce, onion powder, Worcheshire Sauce
4. Blend for about 1 minute.
5. Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and Colby jack cheese. Blend for about 2 minutes.
6. Ready to serve with crackers, veggies, burger topping, pimento cheese sandwich, endless possibilities!
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The Best Homemade Pimento Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounces 1/3 less fat cream cheese
- 3 Tablespoon light Mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
- 4 ounce jar pimentos, drained and dried
- 3-4 dashes Sriracha or hot sauce adjust heat to your palate
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 dashes Worcestershire Sauce
- 8 ounces low-fat Extra Sharp Cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces low-fat Colby Jack cheese
Instructions
- Using either a food processor with the shredder attachment or manually shred the cheddar and Colby jack cheese and set aside.
- Use the paddle attachment, add to the mixer bowl add the light cream cheese, light mayonnaise, and chopped garlic. Blend for about 1 minute. If using a hand mixer, use the beaters and continue with recipe.
- Add to the mixer bowl, the pimentos, Sriracha, onion powder, and Worcestershire Sauce. Blend for about 30 seconds.
- Add the shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese and Colby Jack cheese. Combine for about 2 minutes. Pimento Dip will be well blended.
- Serve with crackers, veggies, burger toppings, Pimento cheese sandwiches, endless possibilities.
Notes
- Take the time to use the block of cheese and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese does not provide the same flavor for this recipe.
- Take the time to drain and dry off the pimentos before adding to the mixing bowl. Excess water is not pretty in any recipe :).
- I do prefer low-fat cheese, however, full-fat cheese can be used.
- Pimento Cheese Dip can be store well covered in the fridge for about 1 - 1 1/2 weeks.
- I do not freeze Pimento Cheese Dip. So I cannot speak to whether or not it can freeze well. I think the mayo and cheese would separate.
- Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation. Actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
Nutrition
As I mentioned, today is National Cheese Day and I am celebrating with some of my favorite food bloggers! ! I cannot wait to begin making these amazing cheesy recipes. My biggest dilemma is where to begin, they are all amazing!
Check out these amazing recipes from those celebrating #nationalcheeseday with me:
Appetizers with Cheese
- Carlee from Cooking with Carlee: Bacon Bruschetta Cheese Ball
- Camilla from Culinary Adventures with Camilla: Cheese, Please
- Jolene from Jolene’s Recipe Journal: Cheesy Black Bean Nachos
- Coleen from The Redhead Baker: Honey, Basil, and Peach Baked Brie
- Sue from Palatable Pastime: Hasselback Salad Caprese
Savory Recipes with Cheese
- Cindy from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings: Beefy Bacon Mac and Cheese
- Karen from Karen’s Kitchen Stories: Dill and Cheddar Sourdough Bread
- Wendy from A Day in the Life on the Farm: Philly Cheesesteak Burgers
- Amy of Amy’s Cooking Adventures: Tuscan Roma Pizza
Marvelous, yummy stuff!! However, the “lite” version of things has got to go!! The first thing a nutritionist will throw out of your kitchen is anything “lite or low fat”!! The fat has been replaced by sugars and chemicals!! Read any lite label and its twice as long and full of stuff you can’t pronounce!! Plus has added carbs!! I’m controlling my a1c with a low carb diet…. absolutely everything in my kitchen “lite” was the first in the trash!!!
So glad you enjoy the recipe! Jewels, in many cases I agree with you on using full-fat ingredients. I am not stating this is a Keto dip. For this pimento cheese dip, I stand by using low-fat or neufatchel cheese in lew of full fat as well as the light mayo. both ingredients are not loaded with sugars. However, for yourself, feel free to use full fat ingredients and enjoy! 🙂
Growing up in the south and loving this dip, I never would have guessed that pimento cheese start in New York. I’ve pinned your recipe…it sounds great.
I was so surprised also that pimento cheese began in NY. I hope you enjoy the recipe.
I absolutely love how this dip looks.. and sounds. It’s so cheesy and flavorful. Yummy! I’m hosting a party this weekend and this will be perfect for my guest to serve them. Saving this recipe.
Fabulous Natalie, I hope your guests enjoy the dip. Let me know how it works for you.
I love absolutely everything to do with cheese, but I never had pimento cheese until a few months ago. For some reason I was scared of it, and then I tasted it and realized how much I’d been missing out! I’ve been meaning to make some myself, and yours has inspired me to get off my behind and do it
Perfect Karyl, enjoy the dip. It is addicting.
When I see pimento cheese I DO think of the South. I love the South. It is such a part of their culture. I’ve made lots of spreads but I’ve never made it. I’ll have to change that. And you are so right — ask the servers what’s good and have them recommend a dish.
Thank you Marisa! I hope you enjoy the pimento cheese as much as we do!
This looks super delicious…exactly my kind of dip…yum!
Thank you Wajeeha! Pimento spread is a favorite! I hope you enjoy!
Homemade dips are so good. This would be great to take on a picnic…or to a BBQ party. Always a crowd pleaser….and so much more delicious that bought. I can see this happening for our next backyard party.
We enjoy these all summer by the pool! Enjoy the recipe!
I have been wanting to try this dip for such a long time! This recipe looks so quick and easy (and DELICIOUS!). I really need to get on it!
Fabulous Lauren, let me know how the recipe works for you!
I’ve recently tasted pimento cheese and absolutely loved it. This is so perfect as a dip and for sandwiches. Thanks for the recipe, now I can make it right at home.
Well hello, new favourite dip! I will happily slather this on everything 🙂
Thank you, Nicole! So happy you love this pimento cheese dip!
I literally just pinned this! I cant wait to make it. I have seen it at parties and love it and always wanted to try it. So glad I got a chance to visit you looks so good! thanks
Let me know how the recipe works for you, Claudia! Glad you like the recipe!
I’ve never had it made from scratch before, definitely need to change that!
yes Jolene, you must make Pimento Cheese Dip
I have recently been introduced to pimento cheese and am a total convert. This stuff is amazing. Can’t wait to try yours.
Thank you Karen. I hope you let me know when you make my Pimento Dip
I’d love this in a grilled cheese!
Thank you Sue, this is really awesome as a grilled cheese sandwich
This dip looks so cheesy delicious!
Thank you, Cindy. We are a cheese family and this is a favorite
I am always ready for a good cheesy dip! I need to make some for one of our summer get togethers!
Awesome Carlee, I hope the dip is a big hit for you!
I just happen to have all ingredients on hand for this amazing dip.
Excellent Wendy. I do hope you check back in with me and let me know how you the recipe worked for you.