Featured 5 Star Comment
This is so good ! Been making for a couple years now . All our friends request it at gatherings !
Rebekah
The Pimento Cheese Moment I Can’t Stop Thinking About
If there’s one appetizer that feels so “A Southern Soul,” it’s this one. I’m talking warm, creamy, a little zippy, and the kind of dip that has people hovering around the snack table, “just one more time.” This is the recipe I pull out when friends are coming over, the game is on, or I’m hosting, and I want something that feels homemade without spending the whole day in the kitchen.
It’s also the kind of recipe that makes hosting feel simpler. You don’t need a dozen appetizers or anything fancy. One skillet of this dip, a big bowl of chips, maybe a veggie tray, and you’re in business. It tastes like a little Southern comfort food moment…with zero stress attached.
Donya’s Best Tips for a Smooth, Creamy Sausage Dip
- Room-temp cream cheese melts faster and stirs in more smoothly.
- Go low and slow on the heat so the dip stays creamy (high heat can make it look oily).
- Want it spicier? Use hot sausage or the hot version of tomatoes + green chilies.
- Want it milder? Choose mild Rotel (one reader noted Rotel can be spicy for some).
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Ingredients You’ll Need
- Savory cooked sausage for flavor and “stick-to-your-ribs” heartiness.
- Cream cheese for that ultra-creamy base.
- Pimento cheese for tang and a little sharpness.
- Tomatoes + green chilies (Rotel) for a gentle kick and a little juicy looseness (don’t drain it).
Make It Your Own: Variations and Substitutions
- Want Some Heat?: Fold in a chopped jalapeno (fresh or pickled) before baking. It’s also great with green chilies.
- Leave out the Sausage: For vegetarian friends, simply omit the sausage. Or, use a vegan bacon or sausage.
- Herb Loaded: Fresh herbs like chopped chives, green onions, or parsley can add flavor and color.
- Add Veggies: You can add broccoli, caramelized onions, and more!
Easy Pimento Cheese Dip Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Cook and drain the grease from a good-quality breakfast sausage.
- Combine Everything: Add the sausage back to a large skillet; I used the one I cooked it in, along with room-temperature cream cheese, pimento cheese, green chilies, and tomatoes. DO NOT drain the chilies and tomatoes.
- Cook: Stir all ingredients over low heat until the cream cheese has melted. To make this dip extra spicy, use spicy sausage or the hot version of green chilies and tomatoes.
How To Serve This To A Crowd
I like to serve this in a cast-iron skillet or ovenproof casserole dish. If you are doubling the recipe, after cooking the sausage, you can add all the ingredients to a slow cooker to keep warm throughout your party. You can make this dip ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. About 30 minutes before serving, heat it on the stovetop and serve!
More Hot Dip Recipes You’ll Love
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork sausage – cooked and drained
- 1 8 oz block cream cheese – room temperature
- 1 10 oz can green chilies and tomatoes (Rotel)
- 1 12 oz container pimento cheese (about 1 ½ cups if homemade)
Instructions
- To a large skillet, add cooked sausage, cream cheese, pimento cheese and can of green chilies and tomatoes. DO NOT drain chilies and tomatoes. Cook on medium low heat, stirring often until cream cheese is melted. Serve immediately with tortilla chips and fresh celery.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Definitely! Just mix everything together in a large mixing bowl and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before heating it up in a skillet.
For a double batch, transfer it to a slow cooker after cooking the sausage and keep it warm for serving.
urn the heat down and keep stirring—often it loosens as the cheeses fully melt. If it still feels tight, stir in a spoonful or two of the liquid from the can (that’s one more reason we don’t drain it).
If you have leftover dip (which is unlikely), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Best Dippers for Pimento Cheese Sausage Dip (What I Grab First)
This dip is thick, creamy, and made for scooping—so you want dippers that can hold up without snapping halfway to your mouth. Here are my favorites, depending on the vibe of your spread:
Crunchy + classic (my go-to “party bowl” picks)
- Sturdy tortilla chips (restaurant-style or thick scoops work best)
- Corn chips (great for that salty crunch)
- Pretzel crisps or pretzel sticks (sweet-salty perfection with this dip)
- Bagel chips (extra sturdy and super snackable)
Crackers that can handle a hearty dip
- Butter crackers (simple and crowd-friendly)
- Wheat crackers (a little nuttier, really good with pimento cheese)
- Ritz-style crackers (soft crunch + rich dip = dangerous combo)
- Crispy flatbread crackers (if you want something a little “nicer”)
Bread dippers (cozy + Southern)
- Toasted baguette slices (brush with a little butter if you’re feeling extra)
- Crostini (crunchy, sturdy, and perfect for scooping)
- Soft pretzel bites (this one feels like a treat)
Fresh + lighter options (still totally satisfying)
- Celery sticks (the crisp + creamy combo is so good)
- Bell pepper strips (especially red/orange—sweet crunch)
- Cucumber rounds (cool and refreshing)
- Carrot sticks (great if you’re setting out a veggie tray)
Donya Top Tip: If I’m setting out one “main” dipper, I choose sturdy tortilla chips—then I add celery or peppers for that fresh, crunchy balance.
If you tried this Pimento Cheese Sausage Dip Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
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This is so good ! Been making for a couple years now . All our friends request it at gatherings !
I love this! Thanks, Rebekah for the comment and the terrific rating.
~Donya
Always great recipes Donya,,,almost like my hot crab dip,,,but I find the Rotel a little spicy for some people,,but that leaves more for me,,,
Douglas
Absolutely wonderful Pimento Cheese Sausage Dip!!!!!!!
Reminds me of my Daddy – and Christmas Eve.
Haven’t thought about that in a long time – thank you for the reminder.
C.S.
What’s not to like!! I really like the pimento cheese from Trade and Tryon, made in Charlotte
Do you have a favorite store bought pimento cheese? Thanks.
Hey Edith!
When I buy it, I like Palmetto. It’s from SC. These days there quite a few food entrepreneurs making their own pimento cheese and they tend to be great! Let me know how you like the recipe!
Have a great weekend!
~Donya
This is one of my favorites ever, had it years ago and finally found yours that works. Do you have the recipe Donya for the pimento cheese from SC like the one you mentioned