Baked Pimento Cheese Dip is a warm and cheesy delight that’s perfect for sharing! Made with creamy cheese, zesty pimentos, and spices, it’s a true crowd-pleaser.
This dip is my go-to for parties—everyone loves digging in with chips or veggies. Just be warned, you might find it disappearing fast! 😄
I enjoy serving it hot, right out of the oven. It’s so easy to whip up and makes any gathering feel a bit more special. Give it a try, and watch it become a favorite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This cheese gives a strong flavor. If you want a milder taste, feel free to use medium cheddar instead. You could also mix in some pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Cream Cheese: Essential for creaminess, but you could swap it with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Just keep in mind it might alter the flavor a bit.
Pimentos: These add a sweet, tangy flavor. You could use roasted red peppers if pimentos aren’t available, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist!
Green Onions: While optional, they add a fresh crunch. You can easily replace them with chopped chives or omit them if you’re not a fan of onion flavors.
How Do I Make Sure My Cheese Dip is Smooth and Creamy?
The key to a perfectly creamy dip is mixing your ingredients well. Start by ensuring the cream cheese is softened completely—this helps it blend easily. If you’re having trouble, microwave the cream cheese for about 10 seconds to soften it a bit.
- Combine cream cheese and mayonnaise first until smooth.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika next for even mixing.
- Finally, fold in the grated cheddar and pimentos gently to avoid clumping.
Take your time mixing; a good blend will result in a deliciously smooth texture that everyone will enjoy!
How to Make Baked Pimento Cheese Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cheese Dip:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup diced pimentos, drained
- 1/4 cup diced green onions (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
For Serving:
- Toasted baguette slices or crackers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious baked pimento cheese dip will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll be ready to enjoy your cheesy delight in about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, when your dip is ready, the oven will be hot and ready to bake it to gooey perfection.
2. Mix the Base Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, take your softened cream cheese and add the mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This base is where all that creamy goodness starts!
3. Add the Cheddar and Pimentos:
Now, stir in your shredded sharp cheddar cheese, drained diced pimentos, and diced green onions (if you like them). Mix everything until it’s well combined. The vibrant colors and aromas will come together beautifully!
4. Transfer to a Baking Dish:
Take a baking dish (an 8-inch round one works great) and transfer your cheesy mixture into it. Spread it out evenly to ensure a lovely bake.
5. Top with Cheese:
Time to add some more cheese! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack evenly over the top of your dip. This will create a deliciously gooey topping.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the dip is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted with a lovely golden color. You’ll love how amazing it smells!
7. Garnish and Add Bacon:
Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle the crumbled bacon across the top and finish with some fresh parsley or chopped chives for a nice pop of color.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, it’s time to dig in! Serve your warm, cheesy baked pimento cheese dip with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh veggies for dipping. Share it with friends or keep it all to yourself—it’s that good!
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy baked pimento cheese dip!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is the star cheese here, feel free to mix in other varieties like pepper jack for some heat or Gruyère for a nutty flavor. Just ensure you have some cheese that melts well.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip in advance! Simply mix all the ingredients and place them in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to heat it through.
What Can I Serve with This Dip?
This baked pimento cheese dip pairs wonderfully with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh veggie sticks like carrots and celery. You can get creative with dippers like pretzels or pita chips as well!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if it seems too thick.