If you love classic pimento cheese, wait until you try it warm, bubbly, and freshly baked.
This Baked Pimento Cheese Dip takes everything wonderful about the Southern favorite—sharp cheddar, creamy cheese, tangy pimentos, and a little seasoning—and turns it into an irresistible appetizer. The edges become beautifully golden while the center stays warm, creamy, and perfect for scooping.
Whether you're serving it at a holiday gathering, game-day party, potluck, or casual family get-together, this is one of those appetizers that tends to disappear quickly.
And thankfully, it's incredibly easy to make.
Why You'll Love This Baked Pimento Cheese Dip
There are plenty of reasons to keep this recipe handy:
- Rich, creamy, and cheesy
- Easy to prepare ahead
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Perfect for parties and potlucks
- Uses simple ingredients
- Delicious with crackers, chips, or vegetables
- Easy to customize with your favorite flavors
The secret is using a combination of cream cheese and shredded cheddar. The cream cheese creates that smooth, scoopable texture, while cheddar provides the bold cheesy flavor you'd expect from classic pimento cheese.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimentos, drained
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or additional cheddar, for topping
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced, optional
A Note About the Cheese
For the best texture, shred the cheddar yourself if possible. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly shredded cheese tends to melt more smoothly.
Sharp cheddar gives the dip a stronger, more traditional flavor, but mild cheddar works if you prefer something gentler.
How to Make Baked Pimento Cheese Dip
