Appetizer: United States – Tennessee (Southern United States) – Pimento Cheese Dip

Serving Size: 6

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 0 min

Additional 30 min

Total 45 min

Ingredients

- 8 oz (225 g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
- 4 oz (113 g) jar diced pimentos, drained
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp (5 ml) hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco), or to taste
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) onion powder
- 1/4 tsp (1.5 g) cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 tsp (3 g) kosher salt, adjust to taste
- 1/4 tsp (1 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped green onions (scallions), plus more for garnish
- Assorted crackers, celery sticks, or toasted bread, for serving

Instructions

Short Description:
A creamy, tangy Southern dip built on sharp cheddar and mayonnaise with sweet diced pimentos and a mild tang from Worcestershire and hot sauce. Served chilled or at room temperature with crackers, celery, or toasted bread.

Regional Notes:
This Tennessee variation emphasizes sharp cheddar and mayonnaise as its backbone and keeps the texture slightly chunky; small amounts of Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce are common Tennessee additions to deepen umami and add gentle heat. Compared with other regional takes, it skews straightforward and bold-cheddar rather than ultra-creamy or heavily spiced.

1. Place the softened cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl and beat with a fork or hand mixer until smooth and lump-free.
2. Stir in the mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce until evenly combined and slightly glossy.
3. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper; mix until spices are fully incorporated.
4. Fold in the grated sharp cheddar a handful at a time until evenly distributed; stop when mixture is uniformly cheesy but still slightly textured.
5. Gently fold in the drained diced pimentos and 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, combining without overworking so the pimentos remain in pieces.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning: add more salt, hot sauce, or Worcestershire to reach your preferred balance.
7. Transfer the pimento cheese to a serving bowl, smooth the top, and sprinkle additional chopped green onions if desired.
8. Chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld, or serve immediately at room temperature for a softer spread.
9. Serve with assorted crackers, celery sticks, or toasted bread for scooping.