The “Charleston” Baked Pimento Dip
This version uses a “Triple-Pepper” profile—sweet pimentos, smoky paprika, and a hint of cayenne—to create a deep, complex heat.
| Category | Details |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Bake Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Yield | 6–8 servings |
🍴 Ingredients
- The Creamy Anchor:
- 8 oz Cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup Quality Mayonnaise (Duke’s is the Southern preference)
- The “Sharp” Core:
- 2 cups Extra Sharp Yellow Cheddar (hand-shredded)
- 1 cup White Cheddar or Monterey Jack (for the “stretch”)
- The Peppers & Spices:
- 1 jar (4 oz) Diced Pimentos (drained well)
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- ¼ tsp Cayenne pepper (optional, for “kick”)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- The “Crunch” Topping:
- ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs (tossed with 1 tbsp melted butter)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. The Aerated Base
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise with a hand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
2. The Flavor Fold
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne.
- Gently fold in the shredded cheddars and the drained pimentos.
- The Pro Move: Do not over-mix once the pimentos are in; you want them to remain as distinct “jewels” rather than streaking the cheese pink.
3. The Baking Vessel
- Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish or a 6-inch cast-iron skillet.
- Top with the buttered Panko breadcrumbs. This provides a vital texture contrast to the molten cheese below.
4. The Golden Bubble
- Bake for 20–25 minutes.
- The Visual Cue: The edges should be bubbling vigorously, and the breadcrumbs should be a deep, toasted tan.
5. The Serving Logic
- Serve immediately with sturdy crackers, celery sticks, or toasted baguette slices. If the dip sits too long, the cheddar will begin to “firm up,” so keep it in the warm skillet for as long as possible.
The “Bacon” Upgrade: If you have some of that Maple Bourbon Bacon Jam (Recipe 503) left over, stir two tablespoons into the dip before baking. The smoky sweetness of the jam against the sharp cheddar is a culinary “match made in heaven.”