This Baked Pimento Cheese Dip is creamy, cheesy, savory, and irresistibly bubbly straight from the oven. Sharp cheddar, tangy pimentos, cream cheese, and a touch of seasoning come together to create a rich Southern-inspired appetizer with a golden, melty top. Serve it warm with crackers, toasted bread, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables for an easy crowd-pleaser.
Can Baked Pimento Cheese Dip Support Weight Loss Goals?
This dip is naturally rich in cheese and cream cheese, so it is best enjoyed in moderate portions. Pairing a smaller serving with crunchy vegetables such as celery, bell peppers, or cucumber can make it easier to enjoy while keeping the overall snack balanced. Choosing reduced-fat dairy products can also lower the calorie content.
Does Baked Pimento Cheese Dip Fit a High-Protein Lifestyle?
Yes, it can be highprotein-friendly when made with protein-rich dairy ingredients. Cheddar, cream cheese, and Greek yogurt contribute protein, although the dip also contains a significant amount of fat. The net carbs are relatively low because the main ingredients are cheese and pimentos, making it a good option for a lower-carb snack when served with vegetables or low-carb crackers.
Why This Recipe Is Special
- Creamy and cheesy: Multiple cheeses create an irresistibly rich texture.
- Southern-inspired: Pimentos and sharp cheddar deliver classic flavor.
- Perfectly baked: A bubbly, golden top makes it extra inviting.
- Quick appetizer: Minimal prep makes it ideal for entertaining.
- Versatile: Serve with vegetables, crackers, bread, or chips.
My Personal Experience
- Use freshly shredded cheese.
It melts more smoothly than many pre-shredded varieties.
The result is a creamier, more cohesive dip. - Drain the pimentos well.
Excess liquid can make the dip watery.
A quick press with paper towels helps remove moisture. - Soften the cream cheese first.
Room-temperature cream cheese blends much more easily.
This prevents unpleasant lumps in the finished dip. - Don’t overbake.
The dip only needs to become hot, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Excessive baking can cause the cheese to separate.
Perfect For
This dip is perfect for game days, Super Bowl parties, holiday gatherings, potlucks, BBQs, family parties, tailgating, movie nights, Christmas appetizers, Thanksgiving, and casual entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-creamy
Cream cheese and Greek yogurt create a smooth, scoopable texture. - Loaded with cheese
Sharp cheddar gives every bite a bold savory flavor. - Warm and bubbly
Baking transforms the dip into a comforting appetizer. - Easy to customize
Add jalapeños, bacon, garlic, or hot sauce for a different twist. - Low-carb friendly
Serve it with fresh vegetables or low-carb crackers for a simple snack.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using watery pimentos: Drain them thoroughly before mixing.
- Starting with cold cream cheese: It can leave lumps.
- Overbaking: Excess heat can make the cheese oily.
- Underseasoning: Cheese needs enough seasoning to bring out its flavor.
- Making it too thick: A little Greek yogurt helps maintain a smooth consistency.
Required Equipment
- Mixing bowl — Makes combining the ingredients simple.
- Hand mixer or sturdy spoon — Helps soften and blend the cream cheese.
- 8-inch baking dish — Creates an ideal depth for even heating.
- Cheese grater — Freshly shredded cheese melts beautifully.
- Rubber spatula — Easily transfers and spreads the dip.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Baking Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 35 minutes
- Servings: 10
- Course: Appetizer / Dip
- Cuisine: Southern-inspired
- Calories: Approximately 190 kcal per serving
- Protein: Approximately 8 g per serving
Short Description
Baked Pimento Cheese Dip combines sharp cheddar, cream cheese, tangy pimentos, and Greek yogurt into a rich, creamy appetizer with a bubbly golden top. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for dipping crackers, vegetables, toasted bread, or chips.
📝 Ingredients
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 jar (4 oz) diced pimentos, drained
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce, optional
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
Optional Toppings
- Extra shredded cheddar
- Sliced green onions
- Chopped jalapeños
- Crispy bacon
- Smoked paprika
For Serving
- Celery sticks
- Cucumber slices
- Bell pepper strips
- Crackers
- Tortilla chips
- Toasted baguette slices
Directions
Prepare the Dip
- Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease an 8-inch baking dish.
- Drain pimentos: Drain the pimentos thoroughly and gently pat them dry.
- Soften cream cheese: Place the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl.
- Add mayonnaise: Add the mayonnaise.
- Add Greek yogurt: Stir in the Greek yogurt.
- Mix until creamy: Beat or stir until mostly smooth.
- Add mustard: Mix in the Dijon mustard.
- Season: Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Add hot sauce: Stir in hot sauce if using.
- Add pimentos: Fold in the drained diced pimentos.
- Add green onions: Stir in the sliced green onions.
- Add cheese: Fold in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack.
- Mix gently: Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
Bake
- Transfer: Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Spread: Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Add extra cheese: Sprinkle a little additional cheddar over the top if desired.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Check: The dip should be hot, bubbling around the edges, and lightly golden on top.
- Broil briefly, optional: For a more golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes while watching carefully.
- Rest: Remove from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with green onions, smoked paprika, or jalapeños.
- Serve: Serve warm with your favorite dipping options.
High-Protein Tips
To make the dip more highprotein-friendly:
- Increase the Greek yogurt slightly and reduce some mayonnaise.
- Use reduced-fat high-protein Greek yogurt.
- Add finely chopped cooked chicken for a heartier version.
- Serve with grilled chicken strips or turkey slices for dipping.
- Pair with high-protein crackers or roasted chickpeas.
For lower net carbs, serve with celery, cucumber, bell peppers, pork rinds, or other suitable low-carb dipping options instead of bread or regular crackers.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving – Approximate
Based on 10 servings and without dipping foods.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~190 kcal |
| Total Fat | ~16 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~8 g |
| Cholesterol | ~40 mg |
| Sodium | ~300 mg |
| Potassium | ~100 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | ~4 g |
| Fiber | ~0.5 g |
| Net Carbs | ~3.5 g |
| Sugars | ~2 g |
| Protein | ~8 g |
Nutrition values are approximate and vary depending on the specific cheese, mayonnaise, and Greek yogurt used.
Notes
- Cheddar: Sharp cheddar gives the strongest traditional pimento-cheese flavor.
- Pimentos: Always drain them well before adding.
- Greek yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein.
- Spice level: Increase hot sauce or add jalapeños for extra heat.
- Cheese: Freshly grated cheese generally produces the smoothest melt.
- Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate covered.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until hot.
- Serving: The dip is best served warm while the cheese remains creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make pimento cheese dip ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the mixture, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, although freshly shredded cheese usually melts more smoothly.
3. What can I serve with baked pimento cheese dip?
Try celery, cucumber, bell peppers, crackers, tortilla chips, toasted baguette, or low-carb vegetables.
4. Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely. Add diced jalapeños, cayenne, hot sauce, or a pinch of crushed red pepper.
5. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Yes. Replacing some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt makes the dip lighter and more highprotein-friendly.
6. Why did my dip become oily?
Overbaking or using very high heat can cause the cheese to separate. Bake only until the dip is hot, bubbling, and lightly golden.
