1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a small baking dish, approximately 8 inches square or a similar-size oven-safe dish.
2. Combine the Cream Cheese and Mayonnaise
Place the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise in a large mixing bowl.
Stir until smooth and creamy.
If your cream cheese is fully softened, this step should be easy. Cold cream cheese tends to leave lumps, so give it some time at room temperature before mixing.
3. Add the Cheese and Pimentos
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and drained pimentos.
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
If you're using green onions, fold those in as well.
Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
4. Transfer to the Baking Dish
Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish.
Spread it into an even layer.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
5. Bake Until Bubbly
Bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbling around the edges and the top is lightly golden.
For an extra-browned top, you can switch the oven to broil for the final 1–2 minutes.
Watch it closely during broiling because cheese can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
6. Rest and Serve
Allow the dip to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
It will be extremely hot straight from the oven, and giving it a few minutes to rest also allows the consistency to settle.
Serve while warm with your favorite dippers.
What to Serve With Pimento Cheese Dip
This dip is wonderfully versatile.
Try serving it with:
- Tortilla chips
- Crackers
- Pretzel bites
- Toasted baguette slices
- Crostini
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Bell pepper strips
- Cucumber slices
- Toasted pita
For a Southern-inspired spread, serve it alongside other finger foods such as deviled eggs, sausage bites, or fried pickles.
Easy Ways to Customize It
Make It Spicy
Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
For a smoky heat, try chopped pickled jalapeños.
Add Bacon
Cooked, crumbled bacon adds salty, smoky flavor and makes the dip even more substantial.
Fold some into the mixture and sprinkle a little over the top before serving.
Try Pepper Jack
Replace some of the cheddar with pepper Jack cheese for a creamy kick.
Add Smoked Flavor
A little smoked paprika goes a long way. You can also substitute smoked cheddar for part of the regular cheddar.
Give It a Southern Twist
Add a teaspoon or two of finely chopped dill pickles or a small spoonful of pickle relish for a tangy variation.
Tips for the Best Baked Pimento Cheese Dip
Drain the Pimentos Well
Extra liquid can make the dip thinner than you'd like.
Give the pimentos a good drain before adding them.
Soften the Cream Cheese
This makes combining the ingredients much easier and produces a smoother dip.
Don't Overbake
You want the cheese melted and bubbly—not dry.
Once the edges are bubbling and the top is lightly browned, it's ready.
Serve It Warm
While pimento cheese is delicious cold or at room temperature, this baked version is at its best when warm and gooey.
Can You Make It Ahead?
Absolutely.
Prepare the dip according to the recipe, transfer it to the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake.
When you're ready to serve, take it out of the refrigerator while the oven preheats.
Because the dip starts cold, it may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
Don't leave the prepared dairy-based dip sitting at room temperature for an extended period.
How to Store Leftovers
Place leftover dip in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly.
To reheat, place it in an oven-safe dish and warm it gently until heated through.
You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring between short intervals.
The texture may be slightly different after refrigeration, but it should still be wonderfully cheesy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use jarred pimentos?
Yes. Jarred diced pimentos are perfect for this recipe and make preparation especially easy.
Can I use mayonnaise instead of sour cream?
Yes, and mayonnaise is actually a classic ingredient in many pimento cheese recipes. It contributes richness and helps create the creamy consistency.
Can I make this dip without mayonnaise?
You can substitute some or all of the mayonnaise with sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, although the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes. It will work, although freshly shredded cheese generally melts more smoothly.
Can I make it spicy?
Definitely. Jalapeños, cayenne, hot sauce, or pepper Jack cheese are all excellent choices.
Can I serve pimento cheese dip cold?
Yes. Traditional pimento cheese is often served cold or at room temperature. This particular recipe is designed to be baked and served warm, when the cheese becomes especially creamy and gooey.
The Perfect Party Dip
There's a reason pimento cheese has remained a Southern favorite for generations. It's simple, flavorful, and incredibly versatile.
Turn that classic combination into a hot dip, and you get something even more tempting: melty cheddar, creamy cheese, tangy pimentos, and warm spices in every bite.
Make it for your next game-day gathering, holiday party, family dinner, or weekend snack.
Just be sure to put out plenty of crackers and chips—because once that bubbling dish hits the table, don't expect leftovers to stick around for long!