Description
Velvety, smoky, and bright, this Creamy, Smoky Pimento Dip blends softened cream cheese, mayo, roasted pimentos, and sharp cheddar into a crowd-pleasing appetizer that tastes even better after chilling.
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup
- Roasted Red Peppers (Pimentos): 1 cup, chopped and patted dry
- Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Cayenne Pepper (optional): 1/8 teaspoon
- Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Make sure the food processor blade is clean and fitted, or place a mixing bowl and spatula on the counter if you prefer a chunkier texture.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, chopped roasted red peppers, shredded cheddar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne if using, and lemon juice into the food processor.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: If you like a chunkier dip, reserve half of the chopped pimentos and half of the shredded cheddar to stir in later; otherwise, proceed to blend everything together.
- Assemble the Dish: Pulse or blend the mixture until smooth and creamy, pausing to scrape down the sides with a spatula so all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Cook to Perfection: No cooking is required, but transfer the dip to a bowl, cover, and chill for at least one hour to let the flavors meld and deepen.
- Finishing Touches: Before serving, drizzle a little olive oil over the top and sprinkle with a pinch of smoked paprika and chopped chives or parsley for color.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve chilled or at cool room temperature with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks and enjoy.
Notes
- Pat jarred roasted peppers dry with paper towels to avoid watering down the dip.
- Shred cheddar from a block for better melt and texture compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Make ahead and refrigerate overnight for the best flavor development.
- Stir well after thawing if you freeze the dip; texture may be slightly softer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (about 30 g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: pimento dip, smoky pimento dip, creamy dip, party appetizer, southern dip, make-ahead dip, roasted red pepper dip