Hot Pimento Cheese Dip

What ingredients are in hot pimento cheese dip?

Before you can serve up a hot and tasty dish of pimento cheese dip, you’ll need to collect the following ingredients:

• Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy and rich base for the dip, balancing the heat and enhancing the overall texture.
• Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and a smooth, spreadable consistency, serving as a foundation for the dip’s texture.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces a complex, savory depth to the dip, complementing the cheeses with its unique blend of flavors.
• Hot Sauce: Injects a kick of heat, elevating the dip’s flavor profile with its spicy, tangy notes.
• Ground Mustard: Offers a subtle, sharp tang, enhancing the dip’s overall depth of flavor.
• Salt: Used to season and enhance the flavors of the other ingredients, bringing out their best qualities.
• Black Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and aroma, subtly accentuating the dip’s savory notes.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides a rich, sharp taste, contributing to the dip’s gooey and cheesy texture.
• Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese: Introduces a spicy, slightly creamy element, adding complexity to the dip’s cheese profile.
• Sliced Pimentos: Offer a sweet and tangy flavor, adding a pop of color and a mild peppery taste.
• Chopped Green Onion: Brings a fresh, mildly sharp flavor, adding a touch of brightness to the dip.

Should you shred your own cheese?

The texture and meltability of the cheeses are key in creating the ideal consistency for this hot pimento cheese dip. While pre-shredded cheese offers convenience, it often contains additives such as potato starch, intended to prevent clumping. However, these additives can affect how the cheese melts, potentially impacting the dip’s smoothness.

For a dip where creamy, velvety cheese is central, shredding your own cheese from a block is highly recommended. It helps achieve a smoother texture that blends better with the dip’s other components. And yes, while shredding the cheese does mean a bit more effort in preparation, for cheese enthusiasts and those who prioritize texture, it’s a step worth taking.

What else can you add?

Looking to jazz up your hot pimento cheese dip? Here are some tantalizing additions to give it an extra oomph. Remember, cooking is an art, so feel free to adjust these measurements according to your taste preferences:

• Crispy Bacon Bits: Add about 1/2 cup of crumbled, cooked bacon for a smoky, savory touch.
• Garlic Powder: For a subtle garlicky flavor, include 1/2 teaspoon.
• Jalapenos: Chop 1/4 cup of fresh jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Corn: Mix in 1/2 cup of drained, canned corn for a sweet crunch.
• Smoked Paprika: A pinch or two will add a smoky depth.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chop up 1/4 cup for a tangy, rich addition.

What can you serve with this dip?

I tend to like this dip with mild crackers (like Ritz crackers), but there are plenty of other options that would go perfectly with a cheese dip like this.

Try any (or many) of the options below and see which you like best:

• Celery: Its refreshing crunch and light flavor provide a crisp, palate-cleansing contrast to the rich and creamy pimento cheese dip.
• Baguette Slices: Offering a crisp texture and neutral flavor, they’re ideal for balancing the rich taste of the dip.
• Focaccia: Infused with olive oil, salt, and herbs, this bread complements the dip’s creamy and spicy notes.
• Rye Crisps: Their distinct flavor and crispiness pair excellently with the cheese dip’s creamy texture.
• Sourdough: The tangy taste of sourdough, whether toasted or fresh, pairs well with the dip’s savory richness.
• Flatbreads: Toasted naan or pita provides a sturdy and flavorful base, perfect for scooping up the cheese dip.
• Pretzel Rods: Their salty crunch and robust structure make them a great match for the thick, cheesy dip.
• Pita Chips: Their satisfying crunch and mild taste make them an excellent choice for enjoying the flavorful dip.
• Carrots: A healthier option, the crunch and slight sweetness of carrot sticks balance the dip’s richness.
• Broccoli: Both raw and blanched broccoli offer a refreshing texture that complements the hearty cheese dip.

Can you make this in advance?

Absolutely! This hot pimento cheese dip can be prepared ahead of time. Simply assemble the dip as per the recipe, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, and then bake per the recipe instructions.

How long is pimento cheese dip good for?

While this pimento cheese dip is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, it can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Can you freeze it?

Yes, you can freeze this dip. Here’s how:

• Ensure the dip is completely cooled after baking.
• For best results, divide the dip into serving-sized portions., then transfer them to airtight containers or freezer bags.
• Pimento cheese dip can be frozen for up to three months.

How to reheat pimento cheese dip

To make the most of your make-ahead dip or leftovers, it’s important to reheat it in a way that preserves the flavor and texture. To do this, pick your favorite heating method and follow the instructions below:

Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Place the dip in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil.
• Heat for about 15-20 minutes.

Toaster Oven

• Set the toaster oven to 350°F.
• Place the dip in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil.
• Heat for 10-15 minutes.

Air Fryer

• Preheat the air fryer to 300°F.
• Transfer the dip into an air fryer-safe container.
• Heat for about 5-10 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.

Microwave

• Place the dip in a microwave-safe dish.
• Reheat, stirring every 30 seconds, until heated through.

Tip for Reheating from Frozen: If your pimento cheese dip is frozen, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This ensures even heating and helps maintain the texture and flavor of the dip.

How long can you leave out a party dip?

Whenever you serve a dip for your guests to enjoy, you should always keep track of how long it sits at room temperature.

For most foods, the general rule of thumb is that a perishable item should not be in the “danger zone” for more than two hours. And by “danger zone,” this is usually at or just above room temperature.

Since this dip will be served warm, that should give you another 30-60 minutes before needing to keep track of the dip. So, in total, this dip can be left out for an absolute maximum of three hours, depending on the temperature of the room. However, be sure to still check the dip every now and then and use your best judgment.

Once you’re near the recommended time, you can heat it up in the oven again or you can store it in the refrigerator.

For best results, I’d recommend using a warming tray so that the dip stays warm and above the “danger zone” temperature.

Want to dig deeper into food safety? Take a look at the USDA’s Food Safety Basics, especially the part about the above-mentioned “danger zone.”

Step 1 – Using a stand mixer (or a hand mixer + large bowl), whip together the following ingredients: mayonnaise, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, ground mustard, salt, and pepper to taste for about three to five minutes. The mixture doesn’t need to be totally smooth; a few clumps of cream cheese are okay.

Step 2 – Remove bowl from mixer and add pepper jack cheese, cheddar cheese, sliced pimentos, and green onion. Use a spatula to gently fold all of the ingredients together.

Step 3 – Spoon the prepared cheese dip into a shallow baking dish, making sure to smooth the top flat.

Step 4 – Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 5 – Serve and enjoy!