Pimento Cheese Dip

Here’s a creamy, tangy, and deliciously Southern-style Pimento Cheese Dip — perfect for crackers, veggies, burgers, or even grilled cheese sandwiches!

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🧀 Classic Pimento Cheese Dip

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (about 8 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated

• ½ cup (4 oz) cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 1 jar (4 oz) diced pimentos, drained

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ¼ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp smoked paprika or cayenne (optional for a little kick)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: a few dashes of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños for heat

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Instructions:

1. Mix base ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and well blended.

2. Add flavor and texture:
   Stir in grated cheddar, pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika or cayenne if using.

3. Season and chill:
   Add salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors develop.

4. Serve:
   Serve cold or at room temp with crackers, crostini, pretzels, celery sticks, or in sandwiches.

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🔄 Variations:

• Spicy: Add minced jalapeños or chipotle peppers.

• Tangy: Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or pickle juice.

• Creamier: Use more mayo or Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.

• Smoky: Use smoked cheddar or add a drop of liquid smoke.

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Would you like a baked hot version, a low-fat swap, or a way to turn this into a pimento cheese grilled cheese sandwich?