Fully Loaded Hot Pimento Cheese Dip
This Fully Loaded Hot Pimento Cheese Dip takes pimento cheese spread to a whole new level with the addition of green onion and smoky bacon. Serve it with crackers, chips or fritos for dipping.
Easy Fully Loaded Hot Pimento Cheese Dip Recipe
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 claim 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.
How to Make Fully Loaded Hot Pimento Cheese Dip Recipe
Regardless of the origin of pimento cheese, 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.
- What is pimento cheese dip? This dip recipe takes traditional Southern pimento cheese in a bit of a different direction. It kicks the flavor up a few notches with the addition of a variety of seasonings, sliced green onion and crumbled bacon for added flavor.
- What are pimentos? You’ll see the spelling as both pimento and pimiento. Pimientos, are a mild Spanish red bell pepper that gives Southern pimento cheese it’s classic flavor profile.
- Can I save time and make this cheese dip in advance? You can fully assemble this pimento cheese dip then cover it and chill in the refrigerator one day in advance. Give it 15 or 20 minutes on the counter, then bake it just before serving.
- Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave.
- How do you serve loaded pimento cheese dip? While pimento cheese is typically served chilled, you can enjoy this pimento cheese dip warm with crackers, bread, pretzels or corn chips for dipping. It’s sure to please the snacking fans at your next soiree.
- Store baked Pimento Cheese Dip chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven or in single servings in the microwave.
More Southern Style Pimento Cheese Recipes Make
- A fan favorite for over a decade is this recipe for Three Cheese Pimento Cheese.
- Spanish Olive Pimento Cheese Spread takes classic southern style pimento cheese in another direction wit the addition of olives.
- Pimento Cheese BLT Wrap is ideal for packing lunches and picnics.
- Pimento Cheese Beer Bread makes a spectacular grilled cheese sandwich or stuffed with shaved ham, chicken or turkey.
- You may also enjoy this Pimento Cheese Biscuits from White Lily.
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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 jar 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.
Notes
Nutrition
Hi. Could you substitute bacon with real bacon bits? Thank you
Sure, if you prefer.
Is this a gluten free dip?
Thank you!
There’s no flour or grains in this dip so, it should be safe for those who have gluten intolerance. That said, traditional ingredients in mayo are naturally gluten free but some mayo’s are made with malt vinegar which is made from barley. You should check the labels of the brands for the ingredients in this recipe that you intend to use.
Could I substitute crumbled sausage for the bacon??
If you prefer.
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.
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.
This would be terrific with tortilla chips, I’m glad you enjoyed it, thanks!
Can any1 help me out with some nice dinner
could I mix this up the night before?
Yes, no problem then bake it just before serving.
I added 2oz of creamed corn and omg!!!! Its awesome anyway though, great recipe ty…
That’s an interesting addition, glad you liked this one.
Hi Linda, me too, it’s addicting!
Love, love, love pimento cheese. And you know how much I love dips. Perfect for me. Thanks M
Hi. After baking, Can you keep this warm in the small crock pots? (during a party).
Absolutely!
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.
My pleasure Connie ☺
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!