Horseradish Pimento Cheese Spread

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This rich, creamy, and tangy Horseradish Pimento Cheese Spread is super simple to make with just a few ingredients, some spices and a food processor. Make it in advance for parties, and serve it with chips, crackers, pretzels, or crusty bread for an easy and delicious crowd pleaser!

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A creamy, cheesy southern staple

Ah, pimento cheese. A southern staple cheese dip made with pimentos (small cherry peppers, which can be pickled), lots of cheese, some mayo and spices. It’s a heavenly spread/dip that can be served in a number of ways.

Most popularly- pimento cheese is used as a spread for crackers, bread, or even crudités. It’s also a delicious spread on grilled cheese, burgers and other sandwiches. And my favorite ways to use it are in my Pimento Cheese, Tomato and Cheddar Galette with Everything Bagel Crust, and in my One Pan Pimento Cheese Chicken.

To be clear- I am not from the south (although, some say I sound like it). But my appreciation for pimento cheese runs deep. It’s some good sh*t!

Making the pimento cheese dip

To make this cheese dip- I recommend using a food processor. With the processor doing 90% of the work for you- this dip is literally done in minutes. If you don’t have a food processor, you can still make this delicious dip- you’ll just have to put your back into it.

Horseradish Pimento Cheese Spread Ingredients List:

• 8 oz softened cream cheese. Be sure to give it the time on the counter to soften. This not only makes it easier to work with, it also ensures everthing comes out well blended in the end. Little chunks of unblended cream cheese in your pimento cheese spread is no fun.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar. Use mild or sharp, or a combo of the 2. Whatever you like!
• A bit of light or full fat mayo. I use light- but you do you! Either is delicious.
• Spices: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, and good old salt and pepper. Be sure to use smoked paprika rather than sweet or plain. The smokiness adds a depth of flavor to the dip that sweet and plain paprika can’t replicate.
• Jarred Pimentos or roasted red peppers. Yes, I advocate for using roasted red peppers. They are good too! Just be sure whatever you use is jarred and ready to go. Whole or chopped is fine, just measure accordingly.
• Worcestershire sauce– for a bit of umami goodness.
• And last but not least, prepared horseradish for some kick.

Making the Dip

If using a food processor:

1. Add cream cheese, pepper or pimentos, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce and horseradish to the food processor and blend until smooth. 
2. Add the spices and cheddar and pulse briefly until just combined. Remove to a serving bowl and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve. 

If making by hand:

1. Add cream cheese, pepper or pimentos, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce and horseradish to a medium mixing bowl, and stir with a wooden spoon or spatular until well combined.  
2. Add the spices and cheddar and fold together until well incorporated.. Remove to a serving bowl and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve. 

Serving suggestions

I love to dip grilled crusty bread or crackers into this dip, but I also highly recommend using it for a grilled cheese with some fried green tomatoes, or making my Pimento Cheese, Tomato and Cheddar Galette with Everything Bagel Crust, or One Pan Pimento Cheese Chicken.

If you make my Horseradish Pimento Cheese Spread, please be sure to leave me a comment! I would love to hear from you, and value your feedback! Lastly, if you make the recipe and love it, please tag me on Instagram! I love to see your photos!

Looking for more appetizer ideas? 

Why not try my Philly Cheesesteak Jalapeño Poppers, Pickle Battered Cheese Curds, Italian Egg Roll Mozzarella Sticks, or Garlic Herb White Bean Dip!

Print Recipe

Horseradish Pimento Cheese Spread

Prep Time15 mins

Total Time15 mins

Course: Appetizer

Keyword: cheddar cheese, cream cheese, horseradish, pimento

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup jarred pimentos, or jarred roasted red peppers
• 1/2 cup light or plain mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp prepared horseradish
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions

• If making with a food processor:

  1. Add cream cheese, pepper or pimentos, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce and horseradish to the food processor and blend until smooth.

  2. Add the spices and cheddar and pulse briefly until just combined. Remove to a serving bowl and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.

  If making by hand:

  1. Add cream cheese, pepper or pimentos, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce and horseradish to a medium mixing bowl, and stir with a wooden spoon or spatular until well combined.  

  2. Add the spices and cheddar and fold together until well incorporated. Remove to a serving bowl and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve. 

*Notes/Substitutions:

I used light mayo for this recipe- but regular mayo will work great as well.

You can use mild or sharp cheddar for this, or a combo of the 2.

Make sure to use smoked paprika for this recipe, rather than sweet or plain.

© Jawns I Cooked. All images & content are the sole property of Jawns I Cooked. Please ask permission prior to using my photos. If you would like to share one of my recipes, please link back to this post and re-write the instructions in your own words.