Name: Baked Pimento Cheese Dip
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 4 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded); 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened and cubed); ½ cup Mayonnaise; 4 ounce Jar diced Pimentos, drained and patted dry; 1 tsp Onion Powder; ½ tsp Pepper; 1 tsp Garlic Powder; Salt to taste; 8 slices of bacon (cooked and crumbled)

Are you ready to dive into a recipe that’s bound to become the star of your next gathering? I’m talking about the kind of dish that makes your taste buds dance with joy—the Baked Pimento Cheese Dip. This isn’t just any dip; it’s a warm, gooey, and irresistibly cheesy delight that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

4 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened and cubed
½ cup Mayonnaise
1 (4-ounce) jar diced Pimentos, drained and patted dry (reserve 1 tablespoon for topping)
1 tsp Onion Powder
½ tsp Pepper
1 tsp Garlic Powder
Salt to taste
8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve 2 tablespoons for topping)

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures the oven is at the right temperature for baking your dip.

2. Prepare Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy, then drain and let it cool. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. Reserve some of the crumbled bacon for topping the dip before serving, and mix the rest into the cheese mixture. Set aside.

3. Mix Cream Cheese & Mayo & Spices: In a large mixing bowl, mayonnaise with the softened cream cheese and garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. The cream cheese should be very soft to easily blend.

4. Add Cheese, Bacon & Pimentos: Add 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, bacon and pimentos to the bowl. Mix these ingredients until everything is well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings to your preference if desired.

5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the cheese mixture into a suitable baking dish. An 8-inch square dish or a similar size round dish works well for this amount. Sprinkle on the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top of the pimento spread, reserved bacon bits and additional diced pimentos.

6. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and slightly golden on top. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Cool the dip to room temperature before refrigerating. Store it in an airtight container and it’ll stay good for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, keep in mind that the texture might change upon thawing. To freeze, place the cooled dip in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before reheating. Use within a month for optimal taste.

How to Reheat Baked Pimento Cheese Dip:

Place the dip in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. For a quicker method, you can microwave it in short bursts, while stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Helpful Tips & Substitutions

Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?

This dip is a fantastic make-ahead option for those who like to plan. Simply prepare the mixture as directed, transfer it to your baking dish, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re putting it directly from the fridge into the oven.

Substitutions & Variations

Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese for new flavors. A mix of Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a bit of Gouda can add a delightful twist.
Mayo-Free: If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, try substituting with an equal amount of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor profile.
Add-Ins: Enhance the dip with diced jalapeños, green chiles, or even roasted red peppers for an extra layer of flavor. Scallions or chives also make a great garnish for a pop of color and freshness.

Helpful Cooking Notes

Cheese Grating Tip: For the best texture and flavor, grate your cheese off the block rather than buying pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect how it melts.
Serving Suggestions: While tortilla chips and crackers are classic companions, don’t shy away from serving this dip with sliced baguette, fresh vegetables, or as a unique topping on a baked potato.
Consistency Adjustments: If your dip is thicker than you like, a splash of milk or cream mixed in before baking can help achieve a creamier consistency.

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Baked Pimento Cheese Dip

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 25

Total Time 45

Servings

Calories 591 kcal

Baked Pimento Cheese Dip is the ultimate recipe for any occasion. It is easy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious.

INGREDIENTS

4 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened and cubed
½ cup Mayonnaise
4 ounce Jar diced Pimentos, drained and patted dry
1 tsp Onion Powder
½ tsp Pepper
1 tsp Garlic Powder
Salt to taste
8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures the oven is at the right temperature for baking your dip.
Prepare Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy, then drain and let it cool. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. Reserve some of the crumbled bacon for topping the dip before serving, and mix the rest into the cheese mixture. Set aside.
Mix Cream Cheese & Mayo & Spices: In a large mixing bowl, mayonnaise with the softened cream cheese and garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. The cream cheese should be very soft to easily blend.
Add Cheese, Bacon & Pimentos: Add 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, bacon and pimentos to the bowl. Mix these ingredients until everything is well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings to your preference if desired.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the cheese mixture into a suitable baking dish. Sprinkle on the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top of the pimento spread, reserved bacon bits and additional diced pimentos.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and slightly golden on top. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

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