Pimento Cheese Dip
Apr 28, 2025, Updated Jul 02, 2025
Jump to RecipeThis post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
Pimento Cheese Dip is a Southern staple that’s creamy, tangy, a bit spicy and absolutely irresistible. Made with a base of shredded cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese, this crowd-pleasing dip is best served alongside butter crackers or fresh veggies.
Tips for the Best Pimento Cheese Dip
- Use good-quality cheddar. Sharp or extra-sharp cheddar give the dip the boldest flavor, but any cheddar will work.
- Grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has an anti-caking agent included in the packaging, which can make the dip a little less cohesive. Freshly shredded cheese folds together better and tastes creamier.
- Soften the cream cheese. Let the cream cheese sit out on the counter for at least 20 to 30 minutes, so it will mix in with the other ingredients more evenly.
- Adjust the heat. Add more hot sauce or remove it completely, depending on your spice preference. For even more kick, add a sprinkle of cayenne or chili powder.
- Let it chill. This dip is delicious right when it’s made, but letting it sit in the refrigerator for an hour up to overnight lets the flavors come together even better.
Make Pimento Grilled Cheese
This creamy Pimento Cheese Dip makes an incredible filling for grilled cheese sandwiches. Just spread a thick layer of dip between two slices of your favorite bread and toast in a pan until golden and melty. Pair this with a side of potato chips or a cup of tomato soup.
Pro tip: Use mayonnaise to on the outside of your grilled cheese slices instead of butter for an even crispier sandwich.
How to make spreadable Pimento Cheese Dip
If you grew up eating the small jarred pimento cheese spread found next to the canned squeeze cheese (product), you might prefer a more well-combined texture. If that’s the case, you can easily blend this dip together in a food processor to achieve a similar product.
Start by pulsing together your cream cheese and mayonnaise until just combined. Then add in the rest of the ingredients and pulse until desired texture is reached. Your resulting spread will look like the photo below.
Pimento Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 4-ounce jar pimentos, drained
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 pinches black pepper
- 1 dash hot sauce
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, kosher salt, black pepper, and a dash of hot sauce.
- Stir until everything is well incorporated and creamy.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve chilled with crackers or cut vegetables.
Notes
Like this? Leave a comment below!
We tried Reed’s cheese dip at a recent party and loved it. I’ve made lots of traditional cheese balls over the years, but Reed’s Pimento version is outstanding. I liked the more unique flavor than merely cheddar cheeses made into a spread or ball. Yummy…..
This worked exactly as written, thanks!
Thanks, Jamie. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I do.