Name: Creamy Pimento Cheese Dip with Chives Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature); 15 oz sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded (reserve 1 cup shredded separately); ½ cup mayonnaise; 4 oz pimentos (drained); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Description

This creamy and tangy Pimento Cheese recipe is a Southern classic perfect for snacking, spreading on sandwiches, or serving as a party dip. Combining sharp white cheddar, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sweet pimentos with a blend of spices, this recipe offers a hearty, flavorful spread that’s quick and easy to prepare using a food processor.

Ingredients

Scale

Pimento Cheese Mixture

8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
15 oz sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded (reserve 1 cup shredded separately)
½ cup mayonnaise
4 oz pimentos (drained)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon pepper

For Garnish

1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

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Instructions

Shred Cheddar Cheese: Start by shredding the sharp white cheddar cheese. Set aside 1 cup of the shredded cheese for later use in the recipe.
Combine Ingredients: In a food processor bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese (except the reserved 1 cup), mayonnaise, and drained pimentos.
Add Seasonings: Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and pepper to the mixture in the food processor.
Pulse Mixture: Pulse the ingredients until well combined, being careful not to overblend. The texture should remain slightly chunky rather than smooth.
Mix in Reserved Cheese: Transfer the pimento cheese mixture to a medium bowl and gently fold in the reserved 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for added texture.
Add Fresh Chives: Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh chives over the top to add a fresh, vibrant flavor and garnish.

Notes

This pimento cheese can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
Use sharp white cheddar for a classic tangy flavor, but yellow cheddar works well too.
If you prefer a spicier spread, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Serve with crackers, celery sticks, or as a sandwich filling.
Make sure cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure smooth blending.