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Southern Baked Bacon Pimento Cheese Dip

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz extra-sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
  • 4 oz sharp white cheddar or Monterey Jack freshly grated
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • ½ cup Duke’s mayonnaise or preferred Southern-style mayo
  • 1 jar 4 oz diced pimentos, drained thoroughly and patted dry
  • 6 strips thick-cut bacon cooked crisp and finely chopped
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or a small foil pan.
  2. Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise together until smooth and uniform.
  3. Season: Stir in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
  4. Fold the cheese and mix-ins: Fold in 1 cup of the sharp cheddar, all of the white cheddar, the drained pimentos, and two-thirds of the chopped bacon. Stir until evenly distributed.
  5. Assemble: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining sharp cheddar and the rest of the chopped bacon.
  6. Bake: Bake uncovered at 375°F for 20 minutes until the edges are golden and bubbling throughout.
  7. Broil (optional): Switch the oven to high broil for 1–2 minutes to get deeply browned cheese spots on top. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  8. Rest and serve: Cool for 5 minutes before serving warm with butter crackers, kettle chips, or crusty baguette slices