Zesty Hummus Pimento Cheese Dip — A beloved classic gets a lighter, flavorful update. Made with roasted red pepper hummus, sharp cheddar, and a few simple seasonings, this dip is creamy, tangy, and perfect for parties. 
I received samples of Sabra hummus mentioned here as part of a recipe contest. By sharing this recipe I entered a contest sponsored by Sabra; I was not otherwise compensated for my time.
Friday is my favorite outfit — not literally, but the feeling of Friday. It always seems to fit, even when I’m more comfortable in the produce aisle than on a fashion runway.
Do you know what tomorrow is?
Yes — it’s National Hummus Day. What better way to celebrate than with a pool of cheesy, hummus-forward dip? This version blends the tang and creaminess of roasted red pepper hummus with shredded cheddar and a hint of mustard and spice to mimic the soul of pimento cheese while cutting back on mayo and heavy creams.
Pimento cheese is a Southern staple — essentially cheese mixed with diced pimentos and mayonnaise — and you either grew up with it or you learned to love it after moving South. During my dietetic internship in Alabama I spent a year experiencing Southern food culture firsthand. As a vegetarian at the time, I was especially grateful for pimento cheese as one of the few reliably delicious options.
I had never tried pimento cheese before that year, and it quickly became a favorite. To recreate that nostalgic flavor with a lighter twist, I substitute roasted red pepper hummus for the mayonnaise base. The roasted red peppers provide the sweet pepper flavor of pimentos while the chickpeas in hummus bring fiber and protein, making this dip more satisfying and a little healthier.
This combination yields a bright, creamy, and slightly zesty dip that still tastes indulgent — which, let’s be honest, is a large part of the joy of party food. The swap keeps the spirit of pimento cheese while giving it more nutritional value and a fresh flavor profile. If I ever make a souvenir shirt it might read: “I tried pimento cheese and found a love for hummus.”
Try this dip at your next gathering. It’s easy to prepare, travels well, and pairs with crackers, fresh vegetables, pretzels, or even as a spread for sandwiches.
Zesty Hummus Pimento Cheese Dip
5 from 4 reviews
- Author: Sinful Nutrition
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: serves 6
Ingredients
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded jack cheese
- 1 cup roasted red pepper hummus
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together the roasted red pepper hummus, shredded cheeses, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly combined.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and serve immediately with crackers, fresh vegetables, or pretzels. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Re-stir before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Category: dip, appetizer
Tweet: Swap the mayo for roasted red pepper hummus for a lighter pimento cheese dip!
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Make it a great day!
What’s your favorite party food?
Favorite hummus flavor?