Creamy, cheesy, and a little tart Pimiento Cheese Dip is our favorite good and decadent appetizer for parties or large dinners. This southern classic is incredibly trendy check out our tips and tricks below for the best method!

This dip can be made ahead of time for a summer party or enjoyed as a sandwich spread. Creamy dreamy pimento cheese dip is a family favorite in our South Carolina household!

At Avdaye, we add lots of tips in all of our recipes – because we are a home cook without any formal training, and we find we are more confident making dishes when we understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. Our goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

How to Make Pimiento Dip

Our affinity for this traditionally southern cheese dip is so strong- we are thrilled it is a trendy offering once again, with hipsters across the nation lining up to dive in. We had to try out a few different recipes to find our own beloved flavor, as we have not a single drop of southern blood in our body, let alone an old family recipe to fall back on.

Pimiento Dip Ingredients

First assembled the following ingredients:

Extra sharp cheddar cheese (8 ounce) – Extra sharp cheddar cheese gives the dip its rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture with a bold cheesy bite.
Pimientos (4 ounce) – Pimientos add a mild sweetness and bright pop of color that balances the richness of the cheese.
Sour cream (3 tablespoons) – Sour cream adds creamy tanginess that helps create a smooth and scoopable dip.
Green onions (2) – Green onions bring fresh savory flavor and a little crunch to brighten the creamy cheese mixture.
Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon) – Garlic powder adds subtle savory depth that enhances the cheesy flavor without overpowering it.
Ground red pepper (¼ teaspoon) – Ground red pepper adds a gentle kick of heat that balances the rich creamy ingredients.
Good mayonnaise (2 tablespoons) – Good mayonnaise creates a smooth, creamy texture and helps bind all the flavors together.
Sea salt (9½ tsp) – Sea salt enhances the sharp cheddar flavor and brings out the savory richness of the dip.
Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste) – Freshly cracked black pepper adds a warm savory finish and subtle spice to every bite.

Steps to Make Pimiento Cheese

Once you have assembled the ingredients, use this method.

Assemble

In a large bowl, mix ingredients.

With an electric mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk on high until creamy.

Serve immediately!

Kitchen notes

Fresh Grate. Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese for the creamiest texture and best flavor.

Room Temp. Let the cream cheese and mayonnaise come to room temperature before mixing to help everything blend smoothly.

By Hand. Mix the dip by hand instead of using a food processor if you want a chunkier, more traditional texture.

Chill. Chill the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Heat. Add extra cayenne or diced jalapeños if you like a spicier pimiento cheese dip.

Add Acid. A splash of pickle juice or Worcestershire sauce can add extra tangy depth to the dip.

Add Crunch. Green onions add freshness and crunch that balances the rich creamy cheese mixture beautifully.

Leftovers. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

Garnish. For a party presentation, garnish with sliced green onions, paprika, or extra diced pimientos before serving.

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Pimento Cheese FAQs

Can we make pimiento cheese dip ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, the flavor gets even better after chilling for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

How long does pimiento cheese dip last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, pimiento cheese dip will stay fresh for about 4-5 days.

Can we freeze pimiento cheese dip?

Freezing is not recommended because the mayonnaise and cheese texture can become grainy and separate after thawing.

Can we use pre-shredded cheese?

You can, but freshly shredded cheese melts and mixes much better for a creamier texture.

Why is our pimiento cheese dip too thick?

Add a little extra mayonnaise or sour cream a tablespoon at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.

Can we use this as a sandwich spread?

Absolutely! Pimiento cheese is good on sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and even grilled cheese.

How can we make the dip smoother?

Use softened ingredients and mix thoroughly, or pulse briefly in a food processor for a creamier consistency.

Can we add meat to pimiento cheese dip?

Yes! Crumbled bacon, diced ham, or shredded chicken make good additions for a heartier dip.

Is pimiento cheese dip gluten-free?

Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels on seasonings and mayonnaise to be safe.

Ingredients

8 ounce extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated (don't use store-bought pre-shredded cheese!)
4 ounce pimientos, jar, drained thoroughly and finely diced
3 tablespoons sour cream
2 green onions, mostly tops, finely minced
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon ground red pepper
2 tablespoons good mayonnaise
½ tsp sea salt, plus more as needed
Freshly cracked black pepper to taste