Baked Tex Mex Pimento Cheese Dip

Another recipe, I made for Christmas Eve.... SO good. Thanks again, Pinterest for another yummy recipe.

Now, I know the name of this dip can turn some people off. Some people HATE pimento cheese. I think its the color. And people judge before actually trying. I LOVE it. It reminds me of my Memaw. She would buy pimento cheese from the grocery store, add alittle mayo and garlic. Oh. My. Gosh. SO good. SO good. So when I found this recipe, I knew we had to try it.

But it has NO pimentos. So its really not pimento cheese dip.. but regardless it is DE.LI.COUS!

Baked Tex-Mex Pimiento Cheese
inspired by Southern Living, January 2011

What You Need:

• 1/2cup mayonnaise
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature (reduced fat is fine)
• 3/4 cup chopped roasted red bell pepper
• 2 jalapeno peppers, seeds and ribs removed, chopped finely
• 8 oz extra sharp cheddar, grated (about 2 cups)
• 8 oz Pepperjack cheese, grated
• 1/3 cup minced scallion (2-3 scallions)
• 1/3 cup minced fresh cilantro
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (more or less to taste)
• salt and pepper to taste
• tortilla chips, for serving

What You Do:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the dip, reserving 1 tablespoon of each cheese for topping. Mix well with a spatula or wooden spoon. Adjust seasonings if necessary, and spoon mixture into the baking dish.

Top with the reserved cheese and bake 20-25 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Garnish with additional cilantro, and serve with tortilla chips.