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January 29, 2020

Baked Pimento Dip

It seems like everyone is on some sort of low-carb diet, which can limit the delicious food free-for-all that's the best part of the SuperBowl. I love a good pizza (or even a bad one; let's be honest), and wings are a classic, but the easiest dish to satisfy just about everyone is a dip. I've made dips that taste like Philly cheesesteak and everything bagels and all sorts of other flavors, and my main conclusion is that nobody can resist a hot, gooey, cheesy dip.


This one is inspired by pimento cheese, a southern classic often served cold on sandwiches but made infinitely better by increasing the cheese ratio and heating until hot and bubbly. You can make it healthier by serving dippable veggies like carrots or peppers, or just give in to the SuperBowl temptation and eat it with a spoon.


You only need 5 ingredients and some self-control to get this dish ready and in the oven. Just combine cream cheese and mayo, stir in shredded cheddar, and add in diced pimentos and a squeeze of Dijon. You can dress it up with some fancier cheeses but the beauty of pimento cheese lies in its simplicity. Another option is to add in some heat via cayenne pepper or diced fresh peppers of your choice, though if your SuperBowl spread already has some heat it may be worth keeping at least one dish mild for those of us who can't handle anything spicy.


As for accoutrements, crackers and toasted bread are always reliable. Carrots, celery, and bell peppers would be tasty options for the healthier crowd. You could also get creative with your other snacking options and dip whatever else is nearby on your table. Cheesy buffalo wings, anyone? The options are endless.

4 oz Cream Cheese, Softened
2 Cups Shredded Cheddar
1/2 Cup Mayonnaise
2 T Diced Pimentos
1 tsp Dijon Mustard

Heat oven to 375F. Grease a baking dish.

Mix the cream cheese and mayonnaise together. Stir in the shredded cheese, pimentos, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper.

Transfer the dip to the baking dish and bake for 12 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Recipe Adapted from Buns in my Oven