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.
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.
- You may also enjoy this Pimento Cheese Biscuits from White Lily.
Other Southern Style Pimento Cheese Recipes to Add to the Menu
- 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 stuffeed with shaved ham, chicken or turkey.
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Helpful Kitchen Items:
Fully Loaded Hot Pimento Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup real mayonnaise
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- 8 oz pepper-jack cheese shredded
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 7 oz jar diced pimento drained reserve 2 tablespoon juice
- 2 green onion thinly sliced
- 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 1 ½ 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 ½ 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
My name is Melissa and I'm the Creator of Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen. Cooking, baking, developing recipes and kitchen tips is my passion. I love sharing my dishes and connecting with people through the food that I create.
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Brenda
Hi. Could you substitute bacon with real bacon bits? Thank you
Melissa
Sure, if you prefer.
Jenn
Is this a gluten free dip?
Thank you!
Melissa
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.
Amber
Could I substitute crumbled sausage for the bacon??
Melissa
If you prefer.
Shawna Konopka
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.
Wedding DJ Frisco Dallas Wedding DJ
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
This would be terrific with tortilla chips, I'm glad you enjoyed it, thanks!
Jasmine
Can any1 help me out with some nice dinner
Elaine
could I mix this up the night before?
Melissa
Yes, no problem then bake it just before serving.
Mel
I added 2oz of creamed corn and omg!!!! Its awesome anyway though, great recipe ty...
Melissa
That's an interesting addition, glad you liked this one.
Melissa
Hi Linda, me too, it's addicting!
Linda
Love, love, love pimento cheese. And you know how much I love dips. Perfect for me. Thanks M
Brenda
Hi. After baking, Can you keep this warm in the small crock pots? (during a party).
Melissa
Absolutely!
Carol at Wild Goose Tea
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.
Melissa
My pleasure Connie ☺
Connie Branecki
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!