Print

Creamy Smoked Pimento Cheese Dip

creamy smoked pimento cheese dip - featured image

A quick and easy creamy smoked pimento cheese dip with a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors. Ideal for crackers and celery, this homemade snack is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces smoked cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces pimentos, drained and chopped
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Shred 8 ounces of smoked cheddar and 4 ounces of sharp cheddar finely; this should take about 5 minutes.
  2. Soften 4 ounces of cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (if using), 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. Blend with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Fold in the shredded smoked cheddar, sharp cheddar, and 4 ounces of chopped, drained pimentos. Stir gently but thoroughly with a spatula until evenly combined.
  5. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed, starting with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few cracks of pepper.
  6. Cover and refrigerate the dip for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and texture firm up.
  7. Bring the dip out about 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Serve with celery sticks, crackers, or breadsticks.
  8. If the dip is too thick after chilling, stir in a teaspoon or two of milk or cream to loosen it while maintaining creaminess.

Notes

For best results, finely shred the cheese and soften the cream cheese before mixing. Chill the dip for at least 1 hour to develop flavor and improve texture. Add milk or cream to adjust thickness if needed. Can be made dairy-free or low-carb with substitutions. Avoid freezing to prevent grainy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: pimento cheese dip, smoked cheddar dip, creamy cheese dip, snack recipe, appetizer, easy dip, homemade pimento cheese