Go Back

Pimento Cheese & Sun-Dried Tomato Dip

A masterclass in mechanical emulsion and flavor layering. This highly structural, distinctly Southern appetizer revitalizes classic pimento cheese by pulsing sharp cheddar, provolone, and cream cheese into a smooth dairy base, dramatically anchored by the rich, concentrated umami of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

The Dairy Emulsion Base
  • 3 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 4 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese about 4 thick deli slices or 1 cup grated
  • 4 ounces Provolone cheese about 4 thick deli slices or 1 cup grated
  • ½ cup high-quality mayonnaise
The Aromatic Inclusions
  • ¼ cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil drained
  • 2 to 3 green onions finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper
  • Toasted artisanal crackers or crostini for serving

Method
 

The Mechanical Dairy Base
  1. Place the softened cream cheese, sharp Cheddar cheese, Provolone cheese, and mayonnaise directly into the bowl of a high-capacity food processor.
  2. Pulse the machine continuously until the cheeses break down and unify into a completely smooth, highly creamy, thick dairy emulsion. (Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to prevent lumping).
The Flavor Integration
  1. Add the drained sun-dried tomatoes, chopped green onions, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to the processor bowl.
  2. Aggressively season the mixture with the kosher salt and coarse black pepper.
The Structural Pulse
  1. Pulse the machine 4 to 5 short times, strictly until the aromatics are just combined. You want the sun-dried tomatoes and scallions to be evenly suspended throughout the dip while retaining their distinct, chewy texture; do not over-process into a pure liquid.
  2. Transfer the thick, highly structural spread into a serving bowl. Serve immediately at room temperature alongside toasted artisanal crackers, or chill until ready to serve.