Pimento Cheese is a southern staple and for good reason. It's a quick recipe that is incredibly delicious. Use this Classic Pimento Cheese Dip recipe for your next event and you won't regret it!
Pimento cheese is made of a blend of shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, cream cheese, peppers, seasonings and hot sauce. It's a dip that's ready in under 15 minutes and is perfect on crackers, biscuits or even on a sandwich.
If you like this recipe, you may also enjoy my Pear and Camembert Crostini, my Stovetop BBQ Little Smokies, or even my French Onion Dip recipe.
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What is pimento cheese made of
Pimento cheese is made of a combination of shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, cream cheese and diced pimento peppers. Pimento cheese can be made up to a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Since it is a mayonnaise based dish, it can't sit out in heat or else it will spoil. Pimento Cheese can either be left chunky or blended smooth into a paste or even heated to create a hot dip.
Where is pimento cheese made
Pimento cheese is most popular in the southern part of the United States and in parts of the Philippines where it is known as cheese pimiento. Pimento Cheese is also a signature item at the professional golf Masters Tournament.
I first had pimento cheese dip when visiting South Carolina for the first time. I had it on a biscuit from Callie's Hot Little Biscuit in Charleston, SC and it was probably the best biscuit I have ever tasted. If you have a chance to visit, try the breakfast sandwich too!
What is pimento
Pimentos are a type of pepper, also called a cherry pepper due to its small size and bright red color. Pimentos are not a hot pepper and are usually a bit sweeter than bell peppers. You may also recognize this pepper from stuffed green olives, as those are usually stuffed with pimentos.
You can find pimento peppers in the jarred food section near the pickles and olives usually. Most grocery stores will carry pimento peppers. Most jarred varieties will either come chopped or in strips that you will need to chop for this recipe.
How to use pimento cheese
Pimento Cheese is most often used as a either a dip or a sandwich spread. However there are other iterations for this spread. You can served pimento dip hot or use it to stuff jalapenos. Pimento cheese can also be used in other southern staples such as grits or as a spread for biscuits. Pimento cheese can be used in most recipes that call for cream cheese or shredded cheese.
Ingredients Needed
- 8 Oz Cheddar Cheese Grated
- ¼ Cup Cream Cheese Softened
- ½ Cup Pimento Peppers Drained and Diced
- 3 Tbsp Mayonnaise
- ½ Tsp Red Chili Flakes
- 1 Tsp Hot Sauce
- Salt
- Pepper
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
Storage Tips
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Discard any leftovers after they have been sitting out at room temperature. Dish can be made in advance and stored in the fridge.
Serving: Serve dip cold and keep out of direct sunlight or hot areas. Because this is a mayonnaise based dish, it can become bad if left out for too long and can cause sickness. If the dip has been sitting out at room temperature, discard any leftovers.
Classic Pimento Cheese Dip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 Oz Cheddar Cheese Grated
- ¼ Cup Cream Cheese Softened
- ½ Cup Pimento Peppers Drained and Diced
- 3 Tbsp Mayonnaise
- ½ Tsp Red Chili Flakes
- 1 Tsp Hot Sauce
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Season to taste generously with hot sauce, salt and pepper. Serve chilled. Enjoy!
Nutrition
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Arya's Corner
Warm sunny days are our favorite to spend on the porch
Krissy Allori says
Oh my gosh! This takes me back to days with my grandma 🙂
Jen says
My kids go crazy over this dip! We're all fighting for the last dip.
Marlynn | Urban Bliss Life says
This looks like the BEST pimento cheese! So simple and easy, but SO yummy too. Love it!
Noelle says
One of my favorite dips!! love this recipe
Natalie says
This dip looks and sounds so delicious and creamy! Perfect for parties! Can't wait to try this recipe ♥