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Chef Gordon Ramsay Pimento Dip Recipe

Pimento Dip Recipe by Chef Gordon Ramsay

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Ingredients Method

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

Method
 

Make the Crispy Paprika Breadcrumbs
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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.