Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy preparation: Mix everything in one bowl before baking.
- Three kinds of cheese: Cream cheese, cheddar, and Colby Jack create a rich, creamy texture.
- Sweet and savory flavor: Pimientos and roasted peppers balance the cheese and seasonings.
- Adjustable heat: Reduce the cayenne or hot sauce for a milder dip.
- Make-ahead convenience: Assemble ahead and bake close to serving time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cream Cheese
Use one 8-ounce package of cream cheese, softened.
Brick-style cream cheese provides a thick base. Let it soften enough to mix easily so there are no firm lumps in the dip.
Mayonnaise
You’ll need ¾ cup of mayonnaise.
Regular full-fat mayonnaise gives the dip a rich texture. Use a brand you enjoy, since its flavor contributes to the finished dish.
Cheddar Cheese
Use 8 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese.
Sharp cheddar adds a pronounced cheese flavor that stands up to the creamy ingredients. Mild or medium cheddar works if you prefer a gentler taste.
Colby Jack Cheese
Add 8 ounces of shredded Colby Jack.
This cheese melts smoothly and balances the sharper cheddar. Shredding both cheeses from blocks generally produces a smoother texture than using pre-shredded cheese.
Roasted Red Peppers
Use ½ cup of drained, chopped roasted red peppers.
Drain them thoroughly and blot away excess moisture before chopping. Small pieces distribute more evenly and make the dip easier to scoop.
Diced Pimientos
Use two 4-ounce jars of diced pimientos, drained.
Pimientos provide the familiar sweet pepper flavor associated with pimento cheese. Removing their packing liquid helps keep the dip thick.
Sauces and Seasonings
The seasoning mixture includes:
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce for heat and tang.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce for savory depth.
- ½ teaspoon salt, or less to taste.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder for mild garlic flavor.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for additional heat.
The combination of Tabasco and cayenne gives the dip a noticeable kick. Start with less cayenne if serving guests who prefer mild food.
How to Make Baked Pimento Cheese Dip
1. Prepare the Oven and Dish
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. Choose a dish with enough depth to hold the mixture comfortably without filling it to the rim.
2. Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, beat or stir the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
Starting with these two ingredients makes it easier to create an even base before adding the shredded cheese.
3. Add the Cheese
Stir in the shredded cheddar and Colby Jack until evenly distributed.
The mixture will be thick and textured rather than completely smooth.
4. Fold in the Peppers and Seasonings
Add the drained roasted red peppers, drained pimientos, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne.
Stir thoroughly, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl so the seasonings are distributed throughout.
5. Fill the Baking Dish
Spread the mixture into the prepared dish and smooth the top into an even layer.
6. Bake Until Hot and Bubbling
Bake for 22–24 minutes, or until the dip is hot in the center and bubbling around the edges. Allow additional time if needed, especially if the mixture started cold.
The surface may become lightly golden, but there is no need to keep baking solely to achieve a deeply browned top.
7. Rest Briefly and Serve
Let the dip stand for about 5 minutes before serving.
Set out chips, crackers, or toasted bread alongside it. Serve warm while the cheese is soft and easy to scoop.
Tips for the Best Results
Soften the Cream Cheese
Cold cream cheese is difficult to blend and can leave lumps. Softened cream cheese makes preparation easier and gives you a more consistent mixture.
Drain the Peppers Thoroughly
Both the pimientos and roasted peppers contain packing liquid. Draining and blotting them helps prevent a watery dip.
Shred Your Own Cheese
Freshly shredded cheese blends and melts more readily. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but its coating can affect the texture.
Adjust the Heat Before Baking
Use ¼ teaspoon cayenne for a gentler version, or omit it and keep the Tabasco. You can offer extra hot sauce at the table.
Be Careful with Salt
Cheese, mayonnaise, and Worcestershire sauce already contribute salt. Start with less than the listed amount if your ingredients are particularly salty.
Avoid Overbaking
Prolonged baking can cause the cheese and mayonnaise mixture to release oil. Remove the dip when the center is hot and the edges are bubbling.
Easy Variations
Mild Pimento Cheese Dip
Omit the cayenne and reduce the Tabasco. The peppers still provide sweetness and flavor without as much heat.
Extra-Sharp Cheddar Dip
Use extra-sharp cheddar for a bolder cheese flavor while keeping the Colby Jack for balance.
Bacon Pimento Cheese Dip
Fold in a small handful of cooked, crumbled bacon before baking. Reduce the added salt as needed.
Jalapeño Pimento Cheese Dip
Add finely chopped, well-drained pickled jalapeños for extra heat and tang.
Green Onion Finish
Scatter sliced green onions over the baked dip just before serving for a fresh contrast.