Description
This Texas Christmas Dip is the ultimate party starter—perfectly creamy, tangy, and loaded with bold Southern flavor. Made with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, pimentos, and just a hint of smoky spice, it’s a festive favorite for any holiday gathering or game day. Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer, a holiday dip recipe, or new party food ideas, this one delivers crowd-pleasing flavor with minimal effort. Serve it hot and bubbly or chilled and spreadable—either way, it disappears fast!
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced pimentos, drained
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
salt and black pepper to taste
fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature. While waiting, drain the pimentos, chop the green onions, and shred the cheddar cheese.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth and fluffy.
3. Fold in the shredded cheddar, pimentos, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), and season with salt and pepper.
4. For chilled dip: cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. For hot dip: transfer to an oven-safe baking dish and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crackers, chips, or veggie sticks.
Notes
For best texture, always shred your cheese fresh—pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
To make it ahead, prepare the dip and store it (unbaked) in the fridge for up to 2 days.
If you’re serving it hot, a mini slow cooker is perfect for keeping it warm throughout your event.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake or Baked
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg