Virginia Grilled Pimento Cheese Dip

Introduction

This Virginia-style grilled pimento cheese dip is the ultimate Southern comfort appetizer, elevated by the Arteflame Grill’s distinctive flat top and open-fire heat zones. Cooking it on the flat cooktop gives it a smoky flavor with a perfectly golden, warm, and bubbly texture that a regular oven just can’t replicate. Paired with toasted baguette slices crisped on the griddle, this recipe turns a classic dip into a showstopping dish perfect for cookouts and gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mild yellow cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup diced jarred pimentos, drained
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for grilling baguette)
• 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center of your Arteflame Grill's basin.
3. Stack seasoned firewood on top of the paper napkins.
4. Light the napkins and allow the fire to build up for about 20 minutes until the grill is hot and the cooktop is evenly heated.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the white and yellow cheddar cheeses, cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Fold in the chopped pimentos and chives until fully blended.
3. Transfer the pimento cheese mixture to a grill-safe shallow cast-iron dish or grill-safe baking dish.

Step 3: Grill the Dip

1. Place the dish on the Arteflame flat top cooktop, close to the center for medium-high heat.
2. Let it cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring gently halfway through, until the dip is warm, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.

Step 4: Toast the Baguette

1. Brush each baguette slice lightly with melted butter on both sides.
2. Place them directly on the hotter zone of the flat cooktop and toast for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and crisp.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove the dip from the grill carefully using heatproof gloves.
2. Arrange toasted baguette slices around the grill-safe dish and serve warm.

Tips

• The Arteflame Grill’s flat top gives you precise control over the heat by moving foods closer or further from the center. Use this to melt the dip while toasting the bread just right.
• If prepping in advance, assemble the dip in the dish and wrap in foil; bring it to the grill when ready to heat.
• Use a small dome-style grill lid cover over the dish if you want a faster melt—but not required.

Variations

• Bacon Pimento Cheese: Fold in 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon for added smokiness and crunch.
• Jalapeño Popper Dip: Add 1/4 cup diced pickled jalapeños and sub half of the cheddar with pepper jack cheese.
• Herb Garden Dip: Mix in fresh thyme and rosemary along with the chives for a more earthy flavor profile.
• Blue Ridge BBQ Pimento: Stir in a tablespoon of your favorite Virginia BBQ sauce and a dash of apple cider vinegar before grilling.
• Smoked Gouda Blend: Swap 1 cup of cheddar with smoked gouda for a deeper, richer cheese base.

Best pairings

• Grilled vegetables: Asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini lightly seared on the griddle.
• Smoked meats: Pulled pork or brisket slices go perfectly with the creamy dip.
• Bubbly drinks: Serve with sparkling wine, Virginia cider, or even a bourbon cocktail.
• Grilled peaches: A sweet finishing bite to pair with the warmth of the cheese dip.

Conclusion

The Arteflame grill transforms this Virginia Grilled Pimento Cheese Dip into a creamier, smokier, and infinitely more flavorful version of the Southern favorite. Whether you’re throwing a backyard party or just want something sensational to snack on, this dip delivers unbeatable taste and texture right off the griddle. Easy to grill, minimal clean-up, and totally delicious—it’s everything you want from fire-grilled comfort food.