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Baked Pimento Cheese Dip: A Warm, Creamy Southern-Inspired Appetizer

There is something wonderfully comforting about a dip that arrives at the table bubbling, creamy, and covered with a golden layer of melted cheese. Baked Pimento Cheese Dip is exactly that kind of appetizer. It takes the familiar flavors of pimento cheese—sharp cheddar, sweet-tangy pimentos, creamy cheese, and a touch of seasoning—and transforms them into a warm dip that’s perfect for sharing.

Unlike a cold pimento cheese spread, the baked version becomes soft and luxurious in the oven. The cheddar melts into the cream cheese, the pimentos add little bursts of color and sweetness, and a few simple seasonings give the mixture enough character without overwhelming the cheese.

This recipe is easy enough for a casual snack but special enough for game nights, holiday gatherings, potlucks, and parties.

What Is Pimento Cheese Dip?

Pimento cheese is a classic Southern-inspired combination traditionally made with shredded cheese, pimentos, and a creamy binder such as mayonnaise. Depending on the recipe, ingredients such as cream cheese, mustard, garlic, hot sauce, or spices may also be included.

For a baked dip, cream cheese is particularly useful because it gives the finished dish a thick, velvety texture. Cheddar provides the recognizable savory flavor, while pimentos contribute sweetness and a mild peppery note.

The result is a dip that is:

Creamy and rich
Cheesy and savory
Slightly sweet from the pimentos
Mildly tangy
Easy to customize with heat and seasonings
Delicious served warm with crackers, bread, or vegetables

Ingredients You’ll Need

For approximately 6–8 servings, gather:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
½ cup pimentos, drained and finely chopped
½ cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1–2 teaspoons hot sauce, optional
2 tablespoons chopped green onions, optional
¼ cup additional shredded cheddar, for the top

Why Freshly Shredded Cheese Matters

For the smoothest dip, shred the cheddar yourself from a block if possible. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking ingredients that can affect how smoothly it melts.

Sharp cheddar is especially good here because its stronger flavor stands up to the cream cheese and mayonnaise. You can also combine sharp cheddar with another melting cheese if you want a slightly softer flavor.

How to Make Baked Pimento Cheese Dip Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a small baking dish, approximately 8 inches square or a similar-sized oven-safe dish. A shallow dish works particularly well because it gives the dip plenty of surface area for the cheese topping to become golden.

Let the oven fully preheat while you prepare the dip.

Step 2: Soften the Cream Cheese

Place the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl.

If your cream cheese is still cold and firm, it will be much harder to combine with the other ingredients. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before mixing.

Using softened cream cheese helps create a smoother base without requiring excessive mixing.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Base

Add the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to the cream cheese.

Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture looks creamy.

You don’t need to whip it extensively. The goal is simply to eliminate large lumps of cream cheese and create an even base.

The mayonnaise contributes richness and moisture, while Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that keeps the dip from tasting overly heavy.

Step 4: Add the Seasonings

Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.

If you’re using hot sauce, add it at this stage as well.

Stir everything together until the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Adjusting the Heat

For a mild dip, you can leave out the hot sauce entirely.

For more noticeable heat, increase the hot sauce gradually. You can also add a small amount of finely chopped jalapeño if you enjoy a spicier version.