This easy smoked pimento cheese is not only delicious but also very simple to make. The smoky flavor adds an extra dimension to the spread, making it a great addition to any appetizer board.
Pimento cheese is a popular Southern favorite. There is so much to love about this delicious, creamy, peppery cheese spread! For this pimento cheese recipe, we take it one step further and infuse it with a bit of smoke flavor.
This homemade pimento cheese is both delicious and versatile. There is so much you can do with it. Serve it at gatherings with chopped carrots and celery sticks, crackers, and crostini. It also makes a fantastic condiment for sandwiches and Pellet Grill Burgers!
What is a Pimento?
Pimentos are mild, tomato-shaped sweet peppers similar in size to the bell pepper. Typically, you’ll find sold in jars at your local grocery store. They also make an appearance in stuffed green olives. When dried and pulverized, these vibrant pimentos become paprika. There are many uses for the pimento, including adding them to dips, spreads, and sauces.
Ingredients
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- Jar of chopped pimentos
- Real mayonnaise
- Green onions
- Garlic (substitute with granulated garlic or onion powder)
- Salt and black pepper
- Hot sauce (optional)
How to Make Smoky Pimento Cheese
- Preheat your smoker for 225 degrees F. Use alder, cherry, or pecan wood for this recipe.
- Unwrap the cream cheese and place it onto a large piece of foil. Crimp the edges to create a boat-like structure.
- Place it into the smoker for 90 minutes. Remove it from the heat, and let it cool for 20-30 minutes.
- Place peeled garlic in a small microwave-safe bowl with 1 tablespoon water. Microwave for 45-60 seconds. Doing this will remove the harsh enzyme from the raw garlic.
- Remove from the microwave and let stand for 5 minutes. Pour off the excess water. Mince, and set aside.
- Place cooled cream cheese and mayonnaise in a bowl and gently combine with a spatula.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese, pimentos, 1/2 of the green onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and optional hot sauce.
Serving Smoked Pimento Cheese Spread:
- Transfer smoked pimento cheese spread to a serving dish and top with remaining green onions.
- Serve immediately or cover and place it into the refrigerator until ready to use.
- If storing your smoked pimento cheese spread for more than a few hours, place dip into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days after preparation.
Recipe variations
- Spice things up with a little chopped jalapenos, cayenne pepper, or pepper jack cheese.
- Add 1/4 cup chopped cooked bacon, for an added salty crunch.
- If you’d like it smokier, blend in 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika to the cream cheese mixture.
- Prefer a tangy cheese? Use gouda mixed with extra sharp cheddar.
More cheese dip recipes to try!
- Smoked Cream Cheese
- Loaded Blue Cheese Dip
- Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Easy Queso Dip
- best grills and smoked appetizer recipes
Smoked Pimento Cheese Spread
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese (sharp, recommended)
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese
- 1/4 cup pimentos chopped
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 small green onions minced ( or 1 medium)
- 1-2 cloves garlic or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (use more if needed
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2-3 dashes hot sauce optional
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker for 225 degrees F. Use alder, cherry, or pecan wood for this recipe.Unwrap the cream cheese and place it onto a large piece of foil. Crimp the edges to create a boat-like structure. Place it into the smoker for 90 minutes. Remove it from the heat, and let it cool for 20-30 minutes.
- Place peeled garlic in a small microwave-safe bowl with 1 tablespoon water. Microwave for 45-60 seconds.Remove from microwave and let stand for 5 minutes. Pour off the excess water. Mince, and set aside.
- Place cream cheese and mayonnaise in a bowl and gently stir until mixed through. Add cheddar cheese, pimentos, 1/2 of the green onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and optional hot sauce. Stir ingredients until well combined.
- Transfer to a serving dish and top with remaining green onions. Serve immediately or cover and place it into the refrigerator until ready to use.If storing for more than a few hours, place dip into an air tight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days after preparation.
