It’s such a wonderfully creamy delicacy and it’s so easy to make it at home with just a few simple ingredients. I tried pimento cheese for the first time during a visit to Charlotte, North Carolina, back in 2013. I was smitten! It was so creamy, and I thought the flavor combination was wonderful. It took me a few years to realize this is a recipe I can easily make at home. Other easy no-bake dip recipes that I like include sour cream dip, cream cheese dip, blue cheese dressing, and Greek yogurt dip.
Ingredients
Recipe Card
Cream cheese: Normally, I don’t object to using reduced-fat cream cheese. But in this recipe, it’s best to use full-fat cream cheese. It’s creamier and more flavorful. Mayonnaise: I like to use avocado oil mayonnaise. Mustard: I insist on Dijon mustard because it’s smooth and creamy, and I find other mustards too vinegary. Minced garlic: Mince it by yourself (most flavorful) or use the stuff that comes in a jar (easiest!). Smoked paprika: The smoked paprika is what makes this dish. It adds a wonderfully rich and smoky flavor. Shredded cheddar: I much prefer extra sharp cheddar for its wonderful flavor, though sharp cheddar works too. Pimiento peppers: They come in a little jar. You should be able to find them next to the pickles and olives in your grocery store.
Soften the cream cheese in the microwave. This should take no longer than 30 seconds. Add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and smoked paprika. Mix well, until everything is combined and smooth. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, or until ready to serve. Serve with cut-up veggies. The peppers should still remain chunky, so if you use the food processor, you should add them last and process the mixture for just a few seconds.
Cut-up vegetables. This spread is especially good with mini peppers, as shown in the photos on this page - they are perfect for scooping it out. But you can also serve it with celery sticks, snow peas, bell pepper strips, or cucumber slices. Almond flour crackers. Almond flour bread. Pork rinds - I love these homemade pork rinds, but plain store-bought ones are also good. Keto bagels. I love to cut them in half and spread them with this tasty cheese. Sometimes, I halve hard-boiled eggs and top them with the spread to make lazy deviled eggs.
