Servings: 8
If you are a fan of classic Southern pimento cheese, this 3-Ingredient Pimento Holloway Dip is going to be your new favorite appetizer. It takes all the rich, tangy, and savory flavors of the traditional spread and turns them into a creamy, scoopable dip that is absolutely irresistible. With just cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and diced pimentos, it comes together in minutes.
It is the perfect addition to any party spread, a lazy weekend snack, or a quick appetizer for a holiday gathering. Serve it with sturdy crackers, crisp vegetables, or toasted bread for a simple and delicious treat.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe relies on the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The softened cream cheese provides a smooth, rich, and creamy base that holds everything together, while the sharp cheddar adds a bold, savory bite. The diced pimentos bring a subtle sweetness, a hint of smokiness, and a beautiful pop of red color. Blending these simple ingredients creates a dip that is greater than the sum of its parts, with a flavor that is both comforting and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- 1 jar (4 ounces) diced pimentos, drained
Directions
- Add the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and drained pimentos to a medium mixing bowl.
- Stir and mash the mixture together with a sturdy spoon or hand mixer until evenly combined and creamy, with small red flecks of pimento throughout.
- Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend and the dip firm up slightly.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and serve cold with sturdy crackers or crisp vegetables.
Tips for the Best Results
Soften the cream cheese properly. Room-temperature cream cheese blends smoothly with the cheddar and pimentos. If it is cold, the dip will be lumpy and harder to mix.
Shred your own cheddar. Pre-shredded cheese is often coated in anti-caking agents that prevent it from blending smoothly. Grating a block of sharp cheddar yourself takes only a minute and yields a much better texture and flavor.
Drain the pimentos well. Excess liquid from the jar can make the dip runny. Let the pimentos sit in a fine-mesh strainer for a few minutes, or pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the bowl.
Use a hand mixer for a smoother dip. If you prefer a smoother, fluffier texture, beat the ingredients with a hand mixer for 1 to 2 minutes. If you like a bit more texture, a sturdy spoon does the trick perfectly.
Add a little kick. While this is a 3-ingredient recipe, a dash of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika are all fantastic additions if you want to add a little heat.
Storage and Serving
Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Give it a good stir before serving, as the oils from the cheese may separate slightly. Serve it chilled with a variety of dippers. Sturdy crackers, celery sticks, carrot sticks, and toasted baguette slices are all excellent choices. It also makes a fantastic spread for sandwiches, burgers, or a classic Southern pimento cheese sandwich.
Creamy, savory, and incredibly easy to make, this 3-Ingredient Pimento Holloway Dip is a fantastic recipe to keep in your back pocket for easy entertaining.