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Homemade Pimento Cheese Dip served with crackers on a platter.

Pimento Cheese Dip from Scratch

A creamy, tangy Southern-style dip made with cheese, mayo, and pimentos, perfect for gatherings and easy to prepare ahead of time.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 oz Sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded Shredding your own cheddar is preferable for texture.
  • 8 oz Cream cheese, softened Let it sit out for 20-30 minutes to soften.
  • 1/4 cup Mayonnaise Adjust based on preference.
  • 4 oz Diced pimentos, drained well Ensure they are well-drained to avoid watery dip.
Seasonings
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
  • pinch Salt (optional) Add if necessary after tasting.
  • to taste Hot sauce or cayenne (optional) For heat preference.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Set your cream cheese out for 20 to 30 minutes to soften. If you forget, microwave it for about 10 seconds, but do not melt it.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
  3. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Add hot sauce if desired.
  4. Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar.
  5. Fold in the drained pimentos, ensuring they are not watery.
  6. Taste and decide if salt is needed. Some cheddars may be salted enough.
  7. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

For best texture and flavor, drain pimentos well and do not overmix after adding cheddar. Can serve with various dippers such as crackers, celery, or baguette. Best after chilling for several hours or overnight.