This Fully Loaded Hot Pimento Cheese Dip takes pimento cheese spread to a whole new level. Pimento cheese is an iconic Southern snack. If you research the origin, the history can be a bit muddled with no one quite sure exactly where it originated. I’ve read some food historians who cite that pimento cheese evolved from a cream cheese and Spanish red pepper combination made famous when both were sold en masse in the marketplace by manufacturers in several Northern states. Gasp! Here’s what we do know, over the past 100 years mayonnaise-based pimento cheese as we know it, made its way into Southern kitchens and into the hearts of us all.
Regardless of the origin, of this I am certain; when I was growing up our refrigerator always had a tub of homemade pimento cheese in it. We enjoyed it on sandwich bread or slathered on fresh celery ribs for between meal snacking. I love it and consider it to be one of the ultimate of Southern treats. This dip takes pimento cheese in a bit of a different direction, and kicks it up a few notches. Serve this pimento cheese dip warm with crackers, bread, pretzels or corn chips for dipping, it’s sure to please the snackers at your next soiree.
You may also like: Pimento Cheese Biscuits, Southern Pimento Cheese Burger and Pimento Cheese Tomato Tart.
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Helpful Kitchen Items:
Fully Loaded Hot Pimento Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup real mayonnaise
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dry mustard
- 8 oz pepper-jack cheese shredded
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 [7] oz diced pimento drained reserve 2 Tbsp juice
- 2 green onion thinly sliced
- 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 1 1/2 quart shallow baking dish with cooking spray. Whip together the mayonnaise, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic salt, onion powder, dry mustard and hot sauce for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
- Mix in the remaining ingredients by hand, reserving 1/2 cup each of cheese to sprinkle on top. Don't forget to add the reserved pimento juice.
- Pour into the dish, top with the remaining shredded cheese. Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly. Serve with veggies, crackers, pretzels, corn chips or garlic bread for dipping.
Connie Branecki says
Pimento cheese is one of my favorites and I enjoy trying new versions of it.My son like the addition of the pepper jack ! Thanks Melissa!
Melissa says
My pleasure Connie ☺
Carol at Wild Goose Tea says
It never ceases to amaze how popular dips are at parties. Often the bowl turns up empty. Very rewarding for the cook. This looks like a bowl cleaning recipe too.
Linda says
Love, love, love pimento cheese. And you know how much I love dips. Perfect for me. Thanks M
Melissa says
Hi Linda, me too, it’s addicting!
Mel says
I added 2oz of creamed corn and omg!!!! Its awesome anyway though, great recipe ty…
Melissa says
That’s an interesting addition, glad you liked this one.
Elaine says
could I mix this up the night before?
Melissa says
Yes, no problem then bake it just before serving.
Jasmine says
Can any1 help me out with some nice dinner
Wedding DJ Frisco Dallas Wedding DJ says
Very nice and simple to put together. I made it twice, I messed up the first time because I put it in the oven and it separated. I should have stuck to the instructions given by the chef! Served it with nachos.
Melissa says
This would be terrific with tortilla chips, I’m glad you enjoyed it, thanks!
Shawna Konopka says
This is an excellent pimento cheese dip. I out of habit added extra salt. Made it a little too salty. I will make again and not add anything extra. Still Everyone loved it. My husband wants me to make mac and cheese tonight with left over dip.