This quick and easy pimento cheese dip comes together in under 10 minutes and makes a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day, tailgates, movie nights, parties, and more. Serve it with crackers, toast points, or vegetable slices for a classic Southern snack.
Raised in the South, I grew up with pimento cheese at nearly every gathering—especially during the Masters golf tournament. This creamy dip version of that beloved spread is an easy way to feed a crowd. Rich, tangy, and slightly spicy when you choose, it’s a true Southern classic.
Made with extra-sharp cheddar, cream cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, and a few seasonings, this pimento cheese dip delivers bold flavor and a satisfying texture. It’s perfect for serving immediately or chilling to let the flavors meld.
What is Pimento Cheese?
Pimento cheese is a spread traditionally made from shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and diced pimientos. Served as a sandwich filling, on crackers, or with raw vegetables, it’s a Southern staple often nicknamed “Carolina caviar” or the “caviar of the South.” Variations include additions like jalapeños, Worcestershire sauce, spices, or different cheeses, but the basic combination of sharp cheddar, mayo, and pimentos remains central.
Ingredients
CREAM CHEESE: Cube and soften to room temperature so it blends easily.
MAYONNAISE: Use a quality mayonnaise for best flavor.
CHEDDAR CHEESE: Shred fresh sharp or extra-sharp cheddar—avoid pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that affect texture. Try white cheddar or pepper jack for a twist.
PIMENTOS: Jarred chopped pimentos are usually found near olives. Roasted red peppers can work as a substitute.
SEASONINGS: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt make a balanced base. Add cayenne for heat if desired.
JALAPEÑO: One deseeded and minced jalapeño adds flavor without overpowering heat. Increase or omit to taste.
WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE: A small splash deepens the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Pimento Cheese Dip
- Place cream cheese and mayonnaise in a food processor or in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Blend or pulse until smooth.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, shredded cheddar, minced jalapeño, drained pimentos, salt to taste, and Worcestershire sauce. Pulse or blend briefly to combine. You want some texture, so avoid pureeing the mixture completely.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and garnish with extra cheese, pimentos, or chopped green onions if desired.
- Serve with crackers, toast points, pretzels, crostini, or sliced vegetables such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
How to Store Pimento Cheese Dip
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors often deepen after a few hours or overnight, making the dip even more delicious the next day.
Tips & Recipe Notes
Grate your own cheese: Freshly shredded cheese provides better flavor and creaminess than pre-shredded bags, which include anti-clumping coatings.
Make it spicy: Add cayenne, red pepper flakes, extra jalapeño (seeds included), or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
Lighten it up: Substitute plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for some or all of the mayonnaise, or use light cream cheese to reduce calories and fat.
This homemade pimento cheese dip is a favorite at watch parties and easy gatherings—perfect for a quick snack or a party appetizer.
More Dip Recipes to Try
- Fiesta Corn Dip
- Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip
- Smoked Tuna Dip
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Arkansas Cheese Dip
Pimento Cheese Dip
Rate Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (cut into cubes, softened to room temperature)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 jalapeño, deseeded and minced
- 4 ounce jar chopped pimentos, drained
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
-
In a food processor or the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add the cream cheese and mayonnaise. Blend or pulse until smooth.
-
Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, shredded cheddar, minced jalapeño, drained pimentos, a pinch of salt, and Worcestershire sauce.
-
Pulse or blend briefly until the ingredients are combined. Do not puree; leave some texture from the shredded cheese and pimentos.
-
Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy with crackers, pretzels, crostini, or vegetable slices.
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 33g
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!