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Chef Gordon Ramsay Pimento Dip Recipe

Pimento Dip Recipe by Chef Gordon Ramsay

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Ingredients
  

Crispy Paprika Breadcrumbs

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Kosher salt

Pimento Dip

  • 1½ cup (6 oz) finely shredded cheddar
  • 2 ounces (56g) cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 4 ounce jar diced pimentos, drained (about 130g)
  • ¼ cup (66g) mayonnaise (Duke’s if you can find)
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Smoked paprika
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper
  • Vinegar-based hot sauce
  • Sliced scallions, for garnish

For Serving

  • Saltines or other buttery flaky crackers

Instructions
 

Make the Crispy Paprika Breadcrumbs

  • First, let’s create that irresistible crunch. Grab a small skillet and set it over low heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, a knob of butter, and a generous sprinkle of smoked paprika. Let them mingle over the heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the oil to soak up all that deep, smoky flavor.
    Now, toss in the panko breadcrumbs and give them a good stir with a spatula, making sure they get coated in all that buttery, paprika-infused goodness. Turn the heat up to medium and keep stirring—watch as they transform into a golden, crispy topping in just a couple of minutes.
    Once they’re beautifully toasted, transfer them to a plate and let them cool. (Resist the urge to snack on them... or don’t. They’re that good.)

Whip Up the Creamy Pimento Cheese

  • In a medium mixing bowl, throw in:
    ✔ Sharp cheddar cheese – for that bold, tangy bite
    ✔ Cream cheese – for ultimate creaminess
    ✔ Chopped pimentos – the star of the show, adding a mild sweetness
    ✔ Mayonnaise – to tie it all together
    Now, mix everything with a spatula until it’s smooth and well combined. This is where the magic happens!
    To kick up the heat, add:
    ✔ A pinch of cayenne pepper
    ✔ A little extra smoked paprika for depth
    ✔ A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce
    Season with salt and pepper, give it another stir, and most importantly—taste. Want it spicier? Add more cayenne. Need extra tang? A splash of hot sauce will do the trick. This is your moment to make it perfect for your taste buds.

Bring It All Together

  • Spoon the creamy pimento cheese into a serving dish and shower it with those crispy paprika breadcrumbs. Sprinkle some chopped chives over the top for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
    Serve it immediately with crackers, toasted bread, or even as a dip for veggies. If you somehow have leftovers (which is rare), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.