Dip into a Southern staple with this quick and easy recipe that delivers creamy, low-carb, gluten-free goodness!
I love cheese. Any kind of cheese. From mild Gouda to sharp cheddar, tangy Swiss to stinky Gorgonzola, hard pecorino to soft and creamy brie—sliced, melted, fried, shredded, baked, breaded, mixed into other ingredients, or all by itself—cheese has always been my favorite. But I’d never encountered pimento cheese until my partner and I visited South Carolina a few years back. I saw “Carolina Caviar” on a menu and was intrigued. What the server brought to the table was completely unexpected. One bite of this soft, subtle peach-colored dip sent my taste buds reeling. It wasn’t spicy, but it was rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying. So now pimento cheese dip has joined the ranks of cheeses I adore!
This pimento cheese recipe pays loving homage to the Southern party staple that’s also referred to as pâté du Sud, French for “Southern pâté.” It’s just as creamy and savory as the dip I tasted in South Carolina, with subtle notes of garlic, onion, and paprika adding complexity to the sweet pimento peppers and mild sharpness of the cheddar cheese. And it takes a mere 10 minutes to make from scratch!
I serve it with a plate of crudités and some pretzels for dipping when my college friends come over for cocktails. I also slather it on sandwiches when I want something more flavorful than a slice of deli cheese. Give this super easy recipe a try, and enjoy an elevated cheesy experience!
Are Pimento Peppers Spicy?
If you don’t care for spicy foods, you’re in luck—pimento peppers are not spicy at all. In fact, pimentos are known for their mild, sweet flavor that delivers little to no heat. When you bite into a pimento pepper, you’ll notice a gentle sweetness rather than any spiciness or tang. On the Scoville scale that’s used to measure the heat of peppers, pimentos rank very low—much milder than jalapeños and quite similar to bell peppers. That means you can enjoy this pimento cheese recipe without fear of any spicy kick.
If you prefer a spicier cheese dip, it’s easy to add heat! Try mixing in a pinch of cayenne pepper, some diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to give your pimento cheese a fiery twist.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Enjoy your homemade pimento cheese for up to 1 week by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. However, be aware that the freeze-thaw process may alter the texture, making it a bit grainy or watery. Thaw it in the fridge overnight—then use it to jazz up cooked recipes, like casseroles or grilled cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pimento cheese dip as an appetizer or snack with a variety of dippers, including raw veggies, pretzels, Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, homemade Crostini, Keto Tortilla Chips, and these yummy Carrot Chips. You could also use it as a starting point for a Pimento Cheese Sandwich—or add it to other handhelds, like a Fried Egg Sandwich, a savory Bacon Sandwich, or a Cowboy Burger.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 4 ounces diced pimento peppers drained
- 3 tablespoons green onions or chives thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, pimento peppers, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Mix until the ingredients are well blended. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and adjust any seasonings to your preferences.
- Serve immediately or chill in the fridge until you're ready to serve.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment