This Baked Pimento Cheese Dip is the ultimate Southern comfort appetizer — creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavor. With melted cheddar, colby jack, roasted red peppers, and a touch of spice from cayenne and Tabasco, it’s the kind of dip that vanishes as soon as it hits the table. Serve it bubbling hot with chips, crackers, or toasted bread for game days, family gatherings, or holiday parties.
Who Is This Recipe For
This recipe is perfect for:
- Cheese lovers who crave a warm, gooey dip with big flavor.
- Entertainers looking for a crowd-pleasing party appetizer.
- Southerners at heart who appreciate a good homemade pimento cheese twist.
Why You’ll Love It
✅ Ultra-creamy, cheesy, and perfectly melty.
✅ Simple ingredients — ready in under 30 minutes.
✅ Great for make-ahead entertaining or last-minute cravings.
✅ Versatile: serve with chips, crackers, veggies, or sandwich it between bread!
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz shredded colby jack cheese
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
- 2 (4 oz) jars diced pimientos, drained
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Chips, crackers, or toasted bread for serving
Preparation
- Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix base: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, cheddar, and colby jack until smooth and fully blended.
- Add flavor: Stir in roasted red peppers, pimientos, Tabasco, Worcestershire, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne. Mix until evenly combined.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly and bake for 22–24 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then serve warm with your favorite dippers — chips, crackers, or crostini.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or microwave briefly until hot.
- Freezer: Not recommended; the mayo and cheese mixture can separate when thawed.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dip a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely — Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or sharp white cheddar all work beautifully.
How can I make it less spicy?
Reduce or omit the cayenne and Tabasco for a milder version that’s still full of flavor.
Conclusion
This Baked Pimento Cheese Dip brings classic Southern charm to any gathering — creamy, rich, and irresistibly cheesy. Whether you’re hosting game day or just craving comfort food, this warm, melty dip is guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds.
