Tacky, tangy, and creamy Pimento Cheese is a basic get together dip and unfold comprised of cheddar cheese and candy pimento peppers. This simple Southern appetizer is a must have on recreation day. You’ll see why!
In the event you’re studying this within the South, you already know what’s about to go down on this kitchen. In our home, it’s hardly a recreation day or a gathering until there’s a giant bowl of creamy pimento cheese on the desk. I figured it was excessive time that I shared my recipe with you.
Pimento cheese is a favourite Southern dip recipe that’s ultra-creamy, additional tacky, dippable, and spreadable. It’s proper up there with Spinach and Artichoke Dip as a must have appetizer. In the event you’ve by no means tried it, put together to be obsessed!
Why You’ll Love This Straightforward Dip Concept
I can nearly assure that this basic dip will turn out to be a staple in your family. Right here’s why you’ll find it irresistible:
A great deal of taste. This mouthwatering cheese dip is just a little candy, just a little tangy, and it may possibly even be just a little spicy relying on the way you prefer it.
Tremendous simple. Mix the elements, after which let your dip sit within the fridge till you’re able to dig in. That’s it!
Good for recreation day. No soccer get together of ours is full with out do-it-yourself pimento cheese unfold over all the pieces from crackers to veggies. It’s good for dipping and topping.
What Is Pimento Cheese?
Pimento cheese is a basic Southern appetizer that sees cheddar cheese and pimento peppers was a creamy dip (that doubles as a sandwich unfold). In some states, it’s often known as Southern pâté. Unfold it over all the pieces from crostini to crackers, and use it as a tacky dip for veggies, and extra.
Are Pimento Peppers Sizzling?
Pimento peppers are one of many mildest forms of chili peppers, with a taste that’s typically candy fairly than spicy. In actual fact, pimentos are also referred to as cherry peppers as a consequence of their sweetness and vivid purple shade.
In the event you like your dip spicy, take the warmth up a notch with jarred scorching purple peppers instead of the delicate roasted purple peppers used on this recipe. You may additionally add in finely diced jalapeños.
Elements You’ll Want
Under is a fast overview of the quick checklist of elements you’ll must make this well-known Southern pimento pepper dip. Make sure you scroll to the recipe card for the total recipe particulars.
Cheddar Cheese: Be sure to make use of freshly grated cheddar and never the type that comes pre-shredded. I like making this recipe with sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese.
Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese come to room temperature beforehand, in order that it’s simpler to combine.
Pimento Peppers: I like the comfort of jarred pimentos or roasted purple peppers. Pat them dry and cube them up finely.
Mayonnaise: Including mayo makes the consistency of the dip much more wealthy and creamy.
Seasoning: Everybody has a unique manner of seasoning their pimento cheese! I take advantage of a mixture of cayenne pepper for kick, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to style.
Find out how to Make Pimento Cheese
It couldn’t be simpler to make do-it-yourself pimento cheese. Merely toss all of the elements right into a bowl and provides it stir. As soon as your dip is mixed, pop it into the fridge for at the least 2 hours. Chilling the cheese dip permits the flavors to come back collectively earlier than serving.
Can I Put together This Recipe Forward of Time?
Sure! As talked about, you wish to give this recipe sufficient time within the fridge. This makes pimento cheese very make-ahead pleasant. Put together the dip as directed a day or two upfront, after which maintain it coated within the fridge till you’re able to serve it.
Suggestions for Success
Listed below are some further suggestions for one of the best pimento cheese:
Grate the cheese freshly by hand. Skip the baggage of cheese when making pimento cheese, as pre-shredded cheddar comes with a waxy coating that impacts the dip’s taste and texture.
In the event you’re delicate to spice, omit the cayenne pepper within the recipe. Be happy to regulate the opposite seasonings to style, additionally.
Pace issues up together with your hand mixer. If I’m in a rush, I’ll use my electrical hand mixer to mix the dip elements. No matter you do, keep away from the meals processor as you continue to need the feel of this dip to remain good and fluffy.
Each time I’ve a batch within the fridge, I’ll smear this purple pepper dip over my morning bagel. This recipe additionally makes an important unfold on a pimento grilled cheese sandwich and a scrumptious, flavorful burger topping. Plus, it’s scrumptious so as to add to extra tacky recipes like my Stovetop Mac and Cheese!
Storing Leftovers
This simple appetizer recipe retains nicely, so you possibly can get pleasure from leftovers for days afterward! Right here’s how you can retailer your pimento cheese:
Fridge: This cheddar and purple pepper dip will be saved hermetic within the fridge for as much as 4-5 days.
Freezer: I don’t advocate freezing cheese-based dips as they have a tendency to show grainy after they’re thawed. Fortunate for you, this recipe is a breeze to whip up and maintain within the fridge!
Creamy Pimento Cheese is a basic Southern appetizer dip and unfold comprised of cheddar cheese and candy pimento peppers. It’s a must have on recreation day!
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, not pre-grated
6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/3 cup finely diced roasted purple peppers, patted dry
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to style
Mix all of the elements in a big bowl and stir till mixed and creamy. Refrigerate for two hours to permit the flavors to mix.
Serve with crackers, pita chips, tortilla chips, or as a diffusion on sandwiches, as a burger topper, or on a bagel
