Small Batch Pimento Cheese Dip

A bowl of pimento cheese dip is surrounded by celery sticks and assorted round and square crackers on a blue plate.

This small batch pimento cheese dip is creamy, rich, and quick to pull together when you only need a little. Shredded cheddar, pimientos, and mayo blend into a spread that works as a dip, sandwich filling, or simple snack.

Course Appetizer, Snack, Snacks

Cuisine American, International

Keyword cheddar cheese, cheese dip, cream cheese, dip, ingredient, pepper, pimento cheese, pimento cheese dip, pimento cheese recipe, recipe, sandwich, shredded cheese, southern

Prep Time 10

Chill Time 30

Servings Servings

Calories 470kcal

Author Zuzana Paar

Equipment

1 Mixing Bowl
1 Spoon

Ingredients

1 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese finely shredded
½ Cup Monterey Jack finely shredded
2 Ounce Cream Cheese softened
¼ Cup Mayonnaise
2 Ounce Pimentos diced, half of a 4-oz jar, drained
½ Stalk Green Onion sliced thin
¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder
⅛ teaspoon Onion Powder
⅛ teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1 Pinch Salt
1 Pinch Pepper
1 Drop Hot Sauce optional

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Gather cream cheese, mayonnaise, cheddar, Monterey Jack, pimentos, green onion, and spices. Drain the pimentos and thinly slice the green onion so everything is ready to mix.
Add the cream cheese and mayonnaise to a mixing bowl and stir until smooth and fully combined, breaking up any lumps for a silky base.
Fold in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack gently until evenly distributed, taking care not to overmix.
Mix in the pimentos, green onion, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and hot sauce if using. Fold until everything is evenly incorporated.
Give the dip one final gentle stir, then cover and chill for 20–30 minutes so the flavors meld. Serve with crackers, veggies, or spread on toast.

Notes

Soften the cream cheese first: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This helps the pimento cheese dip come together smoothly without lumps.
Shred your cheddar cheese finely: Using finely shredded cheddar allows it to mix evenly with the cream cheese and mayo. This creates a creamy and smooth texture every time.
Adjust spices to taste: Add pimento peppers, cayenne, or hot sauce gradually so the flavor doesn’t overpower the dip. Tasting as you go ensures the perfect balance.
Serve immediately or chill briefly: The dip tastes best when fresh, but a short chill in the fridge helps flavors meld. Avoid making it too far in advance to keep the texture.

Nutrition