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.
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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.
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.
- 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.
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 30 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
These Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites are irresistible appetizers featuring mini fillo shells filled with creamy pimento cheese, topped with crispy bacon bits and a drizzle of sweet and mild green pepper jelly. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, they bake quickly for a warm, savory treat.
Ingredients
Appetizer
- 2 (1.9-ounce) (15-count) mini fillo shells
- 1 (3.5-ounce) package chopped real bacon pieces
- ¾ cup prepared pimento cheese (Palmetto Cheese brand preferred)
- ½ cup mild green pepper jelly (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the bites.
- Fill shells: Spoon 1 teaspoon of pimento cheese into each mini fillo shell, making sure each shell is nicely filled.
- Add toppings: Drizzle about ½ teaspoon of the melted mild green pepper jelly over each filled shell.
- Sprinkle bacon: Evenly sprinkle approximately 1 teaspoon of chopped bacon crumbles on top of each jelly-drizzled shell.
- Bake: Place the filled shells on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes until warm and slightly crisp.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm. Makes 30 appetizers.
Notes
- Use a mild green pepper jelly to balance the savory flavors without overpowering.
- Pre-melt the pepper jelly for easier drizzling.
- Ensure bacon pieces are crispy to add a nice texture contrast.
- Can prepare fillings in advance and assemble just before baking.
- Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
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