Description
A classic Southern-inspired Pimento Cheese spread made with creamy cream cheese, tangy mayonnaise, sharp cheddar cheese, and sweet diced pimentos. This flavorful and easy-to-make dip is perfect for crackers, sandwiches, or as a party appetizer, chilled to develop its rich and savory taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese - at room temperature
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 ounces diced jarred pimentos - drained
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese - freshly shredded
- fresh chives - chopped, to garnish
Instructions
- Mix Cream Cheese and Mayonnaise: In a large bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese and the mayonnaise until combined. For a fluffier texture, use a hand mixer to blend the mayo, cream cheese, and seasonings evenly.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the sweet paprika, salt, and ground black pepper into the cream cheese mixture until well distributed.
- Combine Pimentos and Cheese: Fold the diced pimentos and freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the mixture gently until fully incorporated.
- Chill the Dip: Cover the bowl and transfer it to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the dip to set properly.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh chives if desired, and enjoy with crackers, bread, or vegetables.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For a spicy kick, add chopped fresh or pickled jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese for best flavor and texture.
- Chilling enhances the flavors and helps the dip thicken, so don’t skip the chill time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
