Southern Pimento Cheese Dip Recipe for Parties and Game Day

Pimento Cheese Dip is a quick and delicious appetizer you can make in 10 minutes or less. Perfect for parties, game day, or an easy snack, this creamy dip combines cream cheese, mayo (or a substitute), sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, diced pimentos, and a few simple seasonings for an irresistible spread everyone loves.

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Why You’ll Love Pimento Cheese Dip:

Pimento cheese was a favorite snack from my childhood—my mom would often buy it from the store, and I’d spoon it onto celery. After getting married, a Paula Deen “Kitchen Classics” cookbook introduced me to a homemade version that quickly became my go-to. Homemade pimento cheese has more flavor and better texture than jarred versions, and I’ve been making a version of that recipe ever since.

What Is Pimento Cheese Dip?

Pimento Cheese Dip is a creamy, cheesy spread made from cream cheese, mayonnaise (or a substitute), shredded cheese, diced pimentos, green onion, and a touch of seasoning. It’s often served with crackers, toasted bread, or raw vegetables. Although commonly associated with the American South, pimento cheese has an interesting history and regional variations.

What are pimentos?

Pimentos are small, sweet red peppers with a mild flavor and no heat. They add a pleasant sweetness and bright color to the dip. You can find them jarred in most grocery stores near pickled or canned vegetables.

Ingredients For Pimento Cheese Dip:

• Cream cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Green onion
• Seasoned salt or seasoning blend
• Green Tabasco (optional)
• Black pepper
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Diced pimentos, well drained

Mayo Substitute:

If you don’t care for mayo, full-fat sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt work well. Greek yogurt will add a tangier note—use full-fat for the best texture and flavor.

Other Cheese Options:

While sharp cheddar is traditional, you can mix in Pepper Jack for heat, Colby Jack for a milder taste, or smoked Gouda for a smoky twist. Mixing cheeses adds depth and interest to the dip.

A Quick and Easy Snack:

This dip is perfect for last-minute entertaining. Combine the ingredients in a food processor and pulse a few times—the result is a creamy, slightly textured spread that’s ready in minutes. It’s ideal for bringing to a party or serving at home.

More Than Just A Dip:

Pimento cheese is versatile: use it as a spread on sandwiches, burgers, or wraps, or dollop it on baked potatoes or grilled chicken for extra flavor.

How To Make Pimento Cheese Dip:

• In a 4-cup or larger food processor, add softened cream cheese and mayo. Pulse until smooth and creamy.
• Add sliced green onion, seasoned salt, black pepper, green Tabasco if using, and the shredded Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar. Pulse until the mixture comes together but still has some texture—small cheese bits are desirable.
• Add the well-drained pimentos and pulse once or twice just to distribute them. You want visible flecks of red throughout. Serve immediately with crackers or vegetables, or chill until ready to serve.

How Long Does Pimento Dip Last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade pimento cheese will keep for up to 10 days. I store mine in the cheese drawer for best temperature control.

Can I Serve This Dip Hot?

This recipe is intended to be served chilled. You can warm a small portion briefly, but the classic version is served cold. If you prefer a hot, bubbly pimento dip, look for a baked pimento cheese dip variation.

Other Appetizers You Might Enjoy:

• Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
• Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Cranberry Salsa
• Hot Bean Dip

Pimento Cheese Dip

Pimento Cheese Dip is a fast and easy appetizer you can whip up in 10 minutes or less. It’s perfect for any occasion and always a crowd pleaser.

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 356kcal

Ingredients

• 8 ounce cream cheese at room temperature
• ½ cup mayo
• 1 green onion, sliced thin
• ¾ teaspoon seasoned saltI use Salad Supreme from McCormick.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 5–10 dashes green Tabasco (optional)
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 ounce jarred pimentos, drained wellUse half the jar for a milder pimento presence.

Instructions

• Add softened cream cheese and mayo to a 4-cup or larger food processor. Pulse until smooth and creamy. Add sliced green onion, seasoning, Tabasco if using, and both shredded cheeses. Pulse until the mixture comes together but still has some texture.
• Fold in or pulse the well-drained pimentos just once or twice so they’re evenly distributed and you still see flecks of red. Serve immediately or chill until serving.

Notes

Tips:

Mayo substitute: Full-fat sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt work well. Greek yogurt adds tang—use full-fat for best results.

Cheese variations: Try Pepper Jack for a spicy kick, Colby Jack for mild creaminess, or smoked Gouda for depth.

Storage: Keeps up to 10 days refrigerated in an airtight container.

Serving ideas: Serve with buttery crackers, celery, cucumber slices, or use as a sandwich spread or baked potato topping.

Nutritional information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories	356
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 31.7g	41%
Saturated Fat 16.8g	84%
Cholesterol 83mg	28%
Sodium 660mg	29%
Total Carbohydrate 6.5g	2%
Dietary Fiber 0.2g	1%
Total Sugars 1.7g
Protein 12.4g
Vitamin D 2mcg	11%
Calcium 310mg	24%
Iron 1mg	5%
Potassium 93mg	2%

Nutrition

Calories: 356kcal

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