Smoked Pimento Dip is a great appetizer to bring to your next BBQ
Delight your taste buds with the rich and smoky flavors of our Smoked Pimento Cheese Dip. This creamy and indulgent dip features the perfect blend of sweet and smoky roasted pimientos, velvety cream cheese, creating a luscious base that’s irresistible. Infused with a hint of smoked paprika and a dash of garlic, this dip offers a harmonious balance of savory and smoky notes. This is my take on my friend Chef Lauren Nagel’s recipe
Feeds 2-4 people
Prep time 10-15 minutes
Cook time 2 hours
Why Smoked Pimento Dip Works
Depth of Flavor from Smoking: Smoking the ingredients—whether it’s the cheese, pimentos, or even the whole dip—adds a rich, smoky undertone that enhances the natural flavors. The smoke complements the creaminess of the cheese while balancing the tanginess of the pimentos, making every bite more complex and irresistible.
Creamy, Tangy, and Spicy Balance: This dip hits all the right notes: the sharpness of cheddar, the tang from mayo or cream cheese, the sweetness of pimentos, and the gentle heat from smoked paprika or jalapeños. It’s a perfect blend that keeps people coming back for more.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Smoked Pimento Dip isn’t just a dip—it’s a spread, a topping, or even a stuffing for burgers and grilled meats. Whether served with crackers, veggies, or slathered on a sandwich, it’s a guaranteed hit at BBQs, tailgates, and game nights.
Easy to Make with a BBQ Twist: Unlike many complicated dips, this one is simple but benefits from a BBQ twist. You can prep it ahead of time, smoke it while cooking other meats, and serve it warm or cold. The smoking process elevates a traditional Southern classic into something special for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. Cream Cheese
- 2 tbsp. Salt, Pepper, Garlic Rub for the smoked cream cheese
- 2/3 cup Mayonnaise
- 4 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese shred your own for best results
- 8 oz. Pimento Peppers diced and drained
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- ½ tablespoon Italian herb seasoning
- Pretzels or tortilla chips
Instructions
First, score your cream cheese in a crosshatch pattern. This allows the seasoning to penetrate deeply, enhancing the flavor.
Next, season your cream cheese on all sides with a generous amount of salt, pepper, and garlic seasoning. Make sure to coat it evenly for the best taste.
Set your smoker or oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. This low and slow cooking method will infuse the cream cheese with a delicious smoky flavor.
Place your seasoned cream cheese on the smoker and let it smoke for 1 ½ hours. This step is crucial for achieving that rich, smoky taste.
Once done, remove the cream cheese from the smoker and let it cool for 30 minutes. Cooling helps to firm up the texture before mixing.
In a mixing bowl, add the smoked cream cheese, roasted pimientos, Greek yogurt, smoked paprika, and minced garlic
Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the dip is smooth.
For a finishing touch, garnish the dip with some extra pimento peppers on top. Plate up your dip with pretzels or chips and enjoy the smoky, creamy goodness.
By following these steps, you’ll create a Smoked Pimento Dip that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it solo, this dip is a surefire hit
You can also make Stuffed Mushrooms with this dip mixture
Smoked Pimento Dip
Delight your taste buds with the rich and smoky flavors of our Smoked Pimento Cheese Dip. This creamy and indulgent dip features the perfect blend of sweet and smoky roasted pimientos, velvety cream cheese, creating a luscious base that's irresistible. Infused with a hint of smoked paprika and a dash of garlic, this dip offers a harmonious balance of savory and smoky notes.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. Cream Cheese
- 2 tbsp. Salt, Pepper, Garlic Rub for the smoked cream cheese
- 2/3 cup Mayonnaise
- 4 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese shred your own for best results
- 8 oz. Pimento Peppers diced and drained
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- ½ tablespoon italian herb seasoning
- Pretzels or tortilla chips
Instructions
- Score your cream cheese in a cross hatch pattern
- Season your cream cheese on all sides with salt, pepper & garlic seasoning
- Set your smoker to 225 degrees
- Place your seasoned cream cheese on your smoker for 1 ½ hours
- Remove from heat and let it cool for 30 minutes
- Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl
- Mix thoroughly so everything gets well incorporated
- Garnish with some pimiento peppers on top
- Plate up with some pretzel or chips and enjoy!
Notes
Smoked pimento dip is a hit for a few key reasons:
Complex Flavors: The smokiness adds a deep, savory note that enhances the creamy, tangy pimento cheese. The combination of flavors creates a rich, layered taste experience.
Texture Contrast: The creamy texture of the dip contrasts nicely with the occasional chunks of pimento, providing a satisfying mouthfeel.
Versatility: This dip works well with various dippers, from fresh veggies to crackers and bread. Its versatility makes it a great choice for different occasions.
Umami Boost: Smoking adds a boost of umami, the savory flavor that enhances the overall taste profile. This makes the dip more addictive and satisfying.
Comfort Food Appeal: The combination of cheese and smoky flavor taps into the comfort food category, making it a crowd-pleaser at parties and gatherings.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 110Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 180mgCarbohydrates: 2gNet Carbohydrates: 0gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gSugar Alcohols: 0gProtein: 4g