Baked Pimento Cheese Dip

Dive into creamy, cheesy indulgence with this Baked Pimento Cheese Dip. Combining tangy pimentos, roasted red peppers, and a blend of cheddar and Colby Jack cheeses, this dip is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Topped with a golden, bubbling crust, it’s perfect for pairing with chips, crackers, or toasted bread. Simple to prepare yet full of rich, savory flavors, this dip will quickly become a favorite at your next party or casual get-together.

Why People Will Love The Baked Pimento Cheese Dip:

Rich, creamy indulgence with Southern soul – This dip is a warm, melty take on a beloved Southern classic, blending comfort and nostalgia with modern crowd-pleasing appeal.

Perfect balance of bold and mellow flavors – Sharp cheddar and Colby Jack provide a complex cheesy base, while roasted red peppers and pimientos cut through with a sweet, tangy contrast.

Every bite is layered with depth – The Worcestershire and Tabasco sauces add umami and gentle heat, making the flavor profile dynamic, bold, and far from one-note.

Ideal for sharing and entertaining – Served bubbling hot and golden, it’s a show-stopping centerpiece for gatherings, effortlessly drawing people in with its irresistible aroma and creamy texture.

Comfort food with a kick – Cream cheese and mayo bring smoothness, but the touch of cayenne and garlic ensures it doesn’t just comfort—it excites the palate too.

Highly dippable and versatile – Whether paired with rustic bread, crackers, chips, or even fresh vegetables, this dip elevates whatever it touches and invites endless scooping.

Key Ingredients:

Cream Cheese – The creamy base that gives the dip its signature richness and body. Softened for easy blending, it brings smooth texture and mellow tang that balances the bolder ingredients.

Mayonnaise – Adds velvety richness and depth, helping the cheeses melt into a luscious, cohesive dip. It also introduces a subtle acidity that lifts the flavors without overpowering them.

Cheddar & Colby Jack Cheeses – These two cheeses offer a dynamic duo of sharpness and creaminess. Cheddar provides bold, tangy intensity, while Colby Jack melts smoothly and contributes a slightly sweet, mellow undertone.

Roasted Red Peppers & Pimientos – These ingredients are the heart of pimento cheese. They add smoky-sweet flavor and vibrant color, cutting through the dairy richness with a touch of brightness and gentle acidity.

Tabasco & Worcestershire Sauce – These liquid seasonings deliver savory depth and a gentle kick. The Tabasco adds heat and tang, while Worcestershire lends umami complexity, making the dip layered and crave-worthy.

Garlic Powder & Cayenne Pepper – A dash of garlic warms the dip with savory aromatics, while cayenne gives it a subtle spark of heat that lingers without overwhelming the creamy base.

Expert TIps:

Use block cheese and shred it yourself – Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated with anti-caking agents that affect melting. Hand-shredded cheddar and Colby Jack yield a smoother, creamier dip with superior flavor and texture.

Let cream cheese reach true room temperature – For effortless blending and a silky base, ensure your cream cheese is not just softened but fully room temp. This allows it to incorporate seamlessly with the mayo and other ingredients, avoiding lumps.

Balance heat and acidity intentionally – The combo of Tabasco, Worcestershire, and cayenne gives this dip its backbone. Start with recommended amounts, but adjust to taste—a little more heat or umami can completely transform the depth of flavor.

Drain pimientos and roasted peppers thoroughly – Excess liquid can thin the dip and dull its flavor. After draining, pat the peppers dry with paper towels to preserve the creamy consistency and prevent watery pockets while baking.

Bake until edges bubble and top browns slightly – Don’t underbake. The sweet spot is when the cheese is fully melted and the top starts to caramelize, developing a subtle golden crust that enhances both flavor and visual appeal.

Serve in a pre-warmed dish to retain heat – Once out of the oven, the dip will start cooling quickly. Transfer it to a warm serving dish or use a small cast iron skillet to maintain that luscious, melty texture during serving.

Garnish with intention – Top with a light dusting of smoked paprika, sliced green onions, or fresh thyme just before serving to introduce color contrast, aroma, and an extra layer of sophistication.

Baked Pimento Cheese Dip

Ingredients

8 oz package of softened cream cheese

3/4 cup mayonnaise

8 oz shredded cheddar cheese

8 oz shredded Colby Jack cheese

1/2 cup chopped roasted red peppers, drained

2 jars (4 oz each) diced pimientos, drained

1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Chips, crackers, or toasted bread for serving

Instructions

Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.

In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with mayonnaise, then add shredded cheddar and Colby Jack cheeses until fully combined.

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Incorporate the chopped roasted red peppers, diced pimientos, Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, mixing until all ingredients are evenly combined.

Spoon the mixture into the greased baking dish and bake for 22-24 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and golden on top.

Enjoy the dip warm with your favorite chips, crackers, or toasted bread.

Important Notes When Making

Ingredient quality defines the final flavor – This is a cheese-forward recipe, so using high-quality, sharp aged cheddar and mild, creamy Colby Jack makes a significant difference. Their richness and depth create the foundation for the entire dish.

Drain and dry the pimientos and peppers well – These add essential sweetness and color, but if not properly drained, their residual moisture can thin the dip and dull the creamy texture. Drying them ensures a rich, spreadable consistency.

Cream cheese and mayo are the textural anchors – Their ratio is crucial. Too much mayo can make the dip greasy; too much cream cheese can make it overly thick. Keep their balance precise for the ideal silky-smooth mouthfeel.

Cayenne and Tabasco bring complexity, not just heat – This dip isn’t meant to be spicy—it’s meant to be warm, flavorful, and subtly bold. These ingredients enhance the cheese without overpowering it, but they must be added with a careful hand.

Bake until bubbly and lightly browned—don’t rush it – The golden crust on top adds depth and contrast. An underbaked dip may be hot but lack the toasted character that brings out the richness of the cheeses and spices.

This dip is best served warm—but still delicious at room temp – For entertaining, it holds up well on the table after baking, retaining its creaminess for up to an hour. If needed, a quick reheat in the oven restores its melty magic.

Versatility is a strength—don’t be afraid to adapt – Add crumbled bacon, caramelized onions, or chopped jalapeños to make it your own. Just keep the balance of creaminess, acidity, and heat in mind.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute other cheeses for the cheddar and Colby Jack, such as Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a mix of your favorites.

Just ensure they melt well.

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the dip mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.

When ready to serve, bake as instructed.

Can I freeze the pimento cheese dip?

Yes, you can freeze the dip before baking.

Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

What can I use as a substitute for mayonnaise?

Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise if you prefer a lighter option.

Keep in mind this might slightly alter the flavor and texture.

How can I make this dip spicier?

To increase the heat, add more Tabasco sauce or cayenne pepper to the mixture.

You can also incorporate finely chopped jalapeños for additional spice.

What can I serve with this dip?

This dip pairs well with chips, crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables like celery and bell peppers.

Can I use fresh roasted red peppers instead of jarred?

Yes, fresh roasted red peppers can be used.

Just make sure they are well-drained and chopped into small pieces.

How can I make this dip lighter?

To reduce calories and fat, use reduced-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise.

You can also use a lower-fat cheese blend.

What if I don’t have an 8×8-inch baking dish?

You can use a similar-sized baking dish or even a casserole dish.

Adjust the baking time slightly if the dish size differs significantly.

How can I know when the dip is done baking?

The dip is ready when the top is bubbling and golden brown.

You can also use a toothpick or fork to check if it is hot and heated through.