This smoked pimento cheese spread is absolutely delicious and super simple to make. The smoky flavor adds an extra dimension to the dish, making it perfect for appetizer boards. Serve this flavorful cheese spread on game days, cookouts, holidays, and more!
Pimento cheese is a popular Southern cheese spread. It’s creamy and peppery, and super simple to prepare. For this recipe, we take it one step further and infuse the cream cheese with a bit of smoke flavor before assembling it. Doing this adds a extra depth of delicious flavor. If you don’t own a smoker, that’s okay! See the recipe variations section below for other ways to add smoky flavor.
This homemade pimento cheese spread as versatile as it is delicious. You can serve it as part of a charcuterie board or use it as a condiment for sandwiches and Smoked Burgers!
What is a Pimento?
Pimentos are mild, tomato-shaped sweet peppers similar in size to a bell pepper. Typically, they are processed and sold in jars, or used as an ingredient for stuffed green olives. When dried and pulverized, these vibrant, red peppers are transformed into paprika. There are many uses for pimentos, 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 garlic powder or onion powder)
- Salt and black pepper
- Hot sauce (optional)
How to Make Smoked Pimento Cheese Spread
- 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 in the smoker, close the lids, and slow smoke it for 90 minutes.
- Remove it from the smoker, and let it cool completely; about 30-35 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. Let it cook for 5 minutes pour off the excess water, and mince.
- 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 chopped green onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and optional hot sauce.
Serving it
- Transfer smoked pimento cheese spread to a serving dish and top with remaining chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately or cover and place it into the refrigerator until ready to use.
- If making ahead, place the cheese spread in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Recipe variations
- Spice things up with a little chopped jalapenos, cayenne pepper, or pepper jack cheese.
- Add 1/4 cup chopped cooked bacon, for a delicious salty crunch.
- Fold in 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika for a smokier pimento cheese spread.
- Prefer a tangy cheese? Use shredded gouda mixed with extra sharp cheddar.
More cheese dip recipes to try!
- Million Dollar Dip
- Smoked Cream Cheese
- Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Smoked Chorizo 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 (adjust to your liking)
- 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.
