Description
A creamy, sharp, and customizable homemade Southern pimento cheese dip that is better than store-bought versions. Made with block cheddar, cream cheese, and real pimentos, this no-cook recipe is perfect for game day, potlucks, or late-night snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (block, shredded)
- 1 jar (7-ounce) pimento peppers (drained and patted dry)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional, for heat)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Salt (to taste, optional)
- Optional: ¼ cup crispy bacon bits
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- Optional: ½ teaspoon celery salt
Instructions
- Shred the block of sharp cheddar cheese finely using a food processor or box grater.
- Drain the jarred pimentos thoroughly in a colander and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Chop roughly if large.
- In a food processor, pulse the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until combined and smooth. If mixing by hand, whisk them together in a bowl until no lumps remain.
- Add the shredded cheddar, chopped pimentos, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), and black pepper to the processor.
- Pulse in short bursts (about 10-15 pulses) until the mixture is creamy but still has visible bits of cheese and pimento. Scrape down the sides with a spatula halfway through.
- Taste the dip and adjust seasoning with more salt, heat, or garlic as needed. If too thick, add a splash of milk; if too thin, add more cheese.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the dip to thicken.
- Serve chilled with crackers, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or pretzels.
Notes
Shred your own cheese from a block to avoid anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded cheese, which can make the dip grainy. Ensure pimentos are thoroughly drained and dried to prevent a runny dip. Let the dip chill for at least 30 minutes to thicken and allow flavors to meld. This dip does not freeze well as the dairy will separate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 6
Keywords: pimento cheese, southern recipe, cheese dip, homemade dip, game day food, appetizer, no-cook recipe, cheddar cheese dip