Name: Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 2 (1.9-ounce) (15-count) mini fillo shells; 1 (3.5-ounce) package chopped real bacon pieces; 3/4 cup prepared pimento cheese (Palmetto Cheese brand preferred); 1/2 cup mild green pepper jelly (melted)

There’s something delightfully addictive about these little flavor bombs. The combination of smoky, crispy bacon with creamy, tangy pimento cheese whipped up into perfect bite-sized packages is why my Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe tends to steal the show at any gathering. They’re quick to whip up, and honestly, once you try them, you’ll want to make them over and over.

The image shows several small tartlets placed in rows on a wooden serving board. Each tartlet has a golden-brown, flaky pastry shell forming the base layer, which is crimped around the edges. Inside the shell, there is a thick layer of melted yellow-orange cheese mixed with small pieces of red and green vegetables. On top, a few bits of crispy brown-red bacon pieces are scattered, adding texture and color contrast. The scene is set against a white marbled background, highlighting the warm tones of the tartlets. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe is close to my heart because it captures all the comfort of Southern flavors in a snack that’s both elegant and incredibly easy. Whether you’re prepping for a casual weekend hangout or a fancy party, these bites bring everyone together.

Effortless preparation: From prep to plate in under 20 minutes without any fancy skills.
Irresistible flavor combo: Creamy pimento cheese, sweet pepper jelly, and smoky bacon create a party in your mouth.
Perfectly portioned: Mini fillo shells make these bites easy to serve and eat without mess.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level or swap ingredients to suit your taste buds.

The image shows small tartlets placed on a wooden board. Each tartlet has a thin, slightly golden crust forming a scalloped edge layer, filled with melted yellow cheese as the middle layer. The top layer has small pieces of crispy reddish-brown bacon and bits of green herbs scattered across. The board is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe has a job that makes the final result pop with flavor, texture, and that addictive “just one more” appeal. Here’s the lowdown on why these ingredients shine together—and a few tips for picking the best versions.

Flat lay of crisp mini fillo shells, creamy orange pimento cheese, golden crispy bacon pieces, and glossy mild green pepper jelly, all beautifully arranged with scattered small green pepper bits and some whole red pimentos for color contrast, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Mini fillo shells: These little cups are crisp and light, holding the filling perfectly without overwhelming the flavors.
Chopped real bacon pieces: Go for quality real bacon bits—pre-cooked is easiest, but avoid the overly processed ones to keep that smoky, crunchy bite.
Prepared pimento cheese: I love Palmetto Cheese brand for its creamy texture and balanced tang, but homemade also works great if you want to add a personal touch.
Mild green pepper jelly: The jelly adds a gentle sweetness with a bit of pep that cuts through the richness—melting it makes it drizzle beautifully over the bites.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I usually stick to the classic flavor profile here, but these Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites are incredibly forgiving and fun to play with. Feel free to swap in your favorite jams or cheeses to make them uniquely yours.

Variation: I once tried swapping the pepper jelly for a spicy apricot jam, and it added a gorgeous tangy sweetness that our whole crew loved.
Dietary tweak: For a lower-fat version, you can use reduced-fat cheese or turkey bacon, and though the texture shifts slightly, the flavor still shines.
Seasonal twist: Swap the green pepper jelly for cranberry jelly around the holidays for a festive twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Ingredients

First things first, get your oven warmed to 350°F. Having your oven preheated early helps everything cook evenly so the shells crisp up without burning. While it heats, get your pepper jelly melting gently—whether in a small saucepan or the microwave—so it’s easy to drizzle later.

Step 2: Fill Those Crispy Shells

Spoon about 1 teaspoon of your pimento cheese into each mini fillo shell—don’t overfill or the shells might get soggy or overflow. Then, drizzle roughly ½ teaspoon of the melted green pepper jelly on top. This sweet heat contrast is one of my favorite parts.

Step 3: Top with Bacon and Bake

Lastly, sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of chopped real bacon pieces over each. Lay them out on a baking sheet, and pop them in the oven for 5 to 8 minutes—just enough to get the shells golden and the cheese a little melty. Watch closely after 5 minutes to avoid burning because every oven heats differently.

Step 4: Serve Warm and Watch Them Disappear

These are best enjoyed warm right out of the oven when the cheese is creamy and the bacon is still crisp. Set them out on a pretty platter, and they'll be the star of your appetizer spread.

Top Tip

From making these bites dozens of times, I've learned a few tricks that really help the final result shine, especially if you want consistent crowd-pleasers every time.

Use quality bacon bits: Real, chunky bacon pieces always beat powdered or overly processed bits for texture and flavor.
Melt jelly gently: Overheating your pepper jelly can make it too thin and runny, so warm it just enough to drizzle easily.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Give each bite enough space to crisp up; this helps avoid sogginess and uneven baking.
Watch baking time closely: Fillo shells burn fast—set a timer and check early to catch that perfect golden crisp without bitterness.

How to Serve Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe

Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like adding a tiny sprig of fresh thyme or parsley on each bite when serving—it adds a pop of color and a fresh aroma without competing with the bold flavors. Sometimes a small slice of pickled jalapeño on top gives a fun kick if I’m feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

These bites pair beautifully with a crisp, light salad to balance richness—think simple arugula with lemon vinaigrette. I’ve also served them alongside classic deviled eggs or a rustic vegetable platter to round out a party tray.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I've arranged these bites on a wooden board with clusters of grapes and nuts, which adds a festive, lush touch. Another time, I nested them in decorative lettuce leaves—making each bite feel special and easy for guests to pick up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (rare, but it can happen), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I recommend reheating in the oven or toaster oven to bring back that crispiness—microwaving tends to make the fillo soggy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these before by lining a baking sheet with plastic wrap, arranging the bites in a single layer, and freezing them until firm. Then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, thaw completely and bake at 350°F until warmed through and crisp again.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes on a baking sheet; this helps return the crispness of the fillo and keeps bacon crunchy without drying out the pimento cheese mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble them a few hours before baking. Just keep them covered in the fridge and bake right before your event for the best crunch.

What if I can’t find mini fillo shells?

You can use mini phyllo cups, wonton wrappers shaped into cups, or even small puff pastry shells as an alternative, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly. Just adapt the baking time accordingly.

Can I make the pimento cheese from scratch?

Definitely! Homemade pimento cheese is easy to whip up with sharp cheddar, cream cheese, mayo, and diced pimentos. Making it fresh lets you control the flavors to match your taste perfectly.

How spicy are these bites?

They have a mild kick thanks to the green pepper jelly, but you can adjust the heat by choosing a sweeter jelly or swapping in a spicier one. It’s an easy way to balance flavor for your crowd.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, these Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites always remind me why simple ingredients can make such magical appetizers. They’re the type of recipe I reach for when I want to impress with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Give it a try—I’m betting this will become one of your go-to crowd-pleasers, just like it is mine.