If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that oozes comfort and Southern charm, look no further than this Baked Pimiento Cheese Dip. With gooey sharp cheddar, creamy tang, and that unmistakable touch of sweet pimiento, this dip is what potluck dreams are made of! It disappears fast at parties and family gatherings, and I can never make enough—everyone comes back for seconds (and thirds!). Warm, bubbly, and endlessly dippable, it’s a sure way to make any celebration even better.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of humble ingredients is all it takes to create flavor magic with Baked Pimiento Cheese Dip. Each element adds its own special something, from sharpness to silkiness to that classic pimiento sweetness. Don’t skip or skimp—each one brings the dip together in perfect creamy harmony!
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Bold and tangy, cheddar is the heart of this dip, giving every bite a punch of flavor and a gorgeous melt.
- Cream cheese (softened): This is your secret to luscious, ultra-creamy texture that keeps the dip scoopable, even when warm.
- Mayonnaise: It brings richness and a subtle twang, blending everything together into silky, decadent perfection.
- Diced pimientos (drained): The star of the show! These mild, sweet, chopped peppers give the dip its signature color and mild kick.
- Garlic powder: Don’t underestimate a sprinkle—it adds depth and a warm, savory undertone.
- Onion powder: Another layer of savory flavor that rounds everything out without overwhelming.
- Smoked paprika (optional): Want a hint of smokiness? This spice is your extra touch of magic—totally optional, but highly recommended.
- Black pepper: A dash for subtle heat and balance—freshly cracked is best!
- Chopped green onions (optional): Bright and fresh, they make the perfect finishing flourish on your dip.
- Butter crackers or sliced baguette: Choose your favorite dippers—the buttery crunch of crackers or rustic chew of bread, both so good!
How to Make Baked Pimiento Cheese Dip
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s toasty and ready for baking. Giving your oven plenty of time to preheat ensures the dip comes out bubbly and perfectly golden around the edges. Don’t rush this step—proper heat is key to that irresistible finish!
Step 2: Mix the Cheeses and Mayo
In a large bowl, combine your shredded sharp cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, and mayonnaise. Use a sturdy spatula or a hand mixer to blend until everything is luxuriously smooth. This is the foundation of your Baked Pimiento Cheese Dip—mix until you have no lumps and the color is even throughout.
Step 3: Add Pimientos and Seasonings
Stir in the drained diced pimientos, along with the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if you’re using it), and black pepper. Fold everything together thoroughly so every scoop has that classic zing and gentle heat. Now is the time to sample—if you want a bit of kick, sneaking in a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños is absolutely encouraged!
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spoon the mixture into a small baking dish or an oven-safe skillet, smoothing the top for even browning. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to bubble and take on a light golden hue, which means your dip is piping hot and ready to steal the show.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the top with chopped green onions if you’d like a burst of color and freshness. Bring the dish straight to your table to serve warm—paired with crackers, slices of baguette, or sturdy veggie sticks. Your Baked Pimiento Cheese Dip is ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Baked Pimiento Cheese Dip
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of green onions or sliced chives across the top gives your Baked Pimiento Cheese Dip a pop of color and a bit of oniony brightness. For extra flair, a dusting of smoked paprika or even fresh cracked black pepper makes the presentation irresistibly inviting. If you’re feeling festive, a handful of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro works wonders too!
Side Dishes
This warm and gooey dip pairs beautifully with butter crackers, crisp baguette slices, pita chips, or even pretzel thins. For a fresh contrast, set out a platter of veggie dippers like celery, bell pepper strips, or crunchy carrots. The creamy, cheesy spread balances perfectly with just about any crisp and scoopable snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Give your Baked Pimiento Cheese Dip the spotlight by baking and serving it in a cast iron skillet for rustic appeal, or portion individual ramekins for personal dips. For parties, try hollowing out a small round loaf of bread to make a bread bowl, letting guests tear off pieces for dipping as they go—it’s always a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the dip cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep safely for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even better for snacking or spreading in the days that follow.
Freezing
You can freeze Baked Pimiento Cheese Dip for longer storage. Spoon the cooled dip into a freezer-safe container, pressing a piece of plastic wrap on the surface to help prevent freezer burn. It will keep its flavor and texture best for up to 1 month—just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply transfer the dip to an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly—about 15 minutes should do it. If you’re short on time, a microwave works too: heat in short bursts, stirring often to ensure even warming. Add a fresh sprinkle of green onions just before serving to restore that just-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I make Baked Pimiento Cheese Dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dip a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, just bake it as directed. It’s a lifesaver for stress-free entertaining!
What’s the best type Appetizer, Dip
Sharp cheddar is classic because it stands up beautifully to baking and delivers robust flavor. Extra-sharp or a blend of mild and sharp also work if you like to experiment with the cheesy tang.
Is it possible to make this dish spicier?
Definitely—stir in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a lively kick! Try smoked paprika for a mellow heat, or even a pinch of cayenne for true spice lovers.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream for mayonnaise?
Yes, you can replace part or all of the mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter, tangier twist. The texture may be a bit different, but it’s still deliciously creamy.
What else can I do with leftovers?
Leftover Baked Pimiento Cheese Dip is wonderful spread between slices of bread for an epic grilled cheese sandwich. You can also tuck it into omelets or layer it onto baked potatoes for an instant flavor upgrade.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for that one appetizer that earns instant raves, you can’t go wrong with Baked Pimiento Cheese Dip. It’s rich, bubbling, and brimming with Southern flair—a total knockout at any gathering. Go ahead, give it a try, and watch your friends and family fall in love, one cheesy scoop after another!
Print
Baked Pimiento Cheese Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Dip
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and flavorful delight of this Baked Pimiento Cheese Dip. Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, this Southern-inspired dip is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
Cheese Dip:
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 (4 oz) jar diced pimientos, drained
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
For Serving:
- butter crackers or sliced baguette
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and mayonnaise. Add in pimientos, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to a baking dish, bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Top with green onions if desired. Serve warm with crackers, bread, or veggies.
Notes
- Add hot sauce or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Make ahead and bake before serving.
- Leftovers are great for grilled cheese fillings.
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