Nothing beats the cozy, savory combo of creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and a sweet kick all in one bite. This Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe is exactly that — a delightful party snack that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. Let me walk you through why these little bites always steal the show.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve tried all kinds of snacks, but these Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites always bring a smile—and a second helping. They’re perfectly balanced with creamy pimento cheese, crispy bacon, and the subtle sweetness of green pepper jelly. Plus, they come together quickly, so there’s more time to enjoy company.
- Simple yet sophisticated: Combines familiar flavors in an unexpected but delicious way.
- Perfect party pleasers: Bite-sized and easy to eat, making them great for any occasion.
- Quick prep time: Ready in about 20 minutes—ideal for last-minute entertaining.
- Customizable: You can tweak the heat or swap ingredients to match your taste.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe shines because each ingredient plays a unique role. The mini fillo shells bring crispiness without overpowering, while the bacon adds that irresistible smoky crunch. Pimento cheese lends creaminess and tang, and the green pepper jelly provides just the right touch of sweetness and mild heat.
- Mini fillo shells: They’re tiny, crispy cups that hold the filling perfectly and provide a lovely crunch.
- Chopped real bacon pieces: Adds smoky, crunchy goodness; using pre-cooked bits saves time.
- Prepared pimento cheese: Creamy and cheesy with a bit of tang; Palmetto Cheese is my go-to brand for flavor and texture.
- Mild green pepper jelly: Brings subtle sweetness and gentle heat, balancing the salty bacon and rich cheese beautifully.
Make It Your Way
I like to mix things up depending on the guest list and my mood. You can swap the mild pepper jelly for something spicier or even try a tangy chutney if you want a new twist. Also, I’ve found adding a tiny pinch of cayenne to the pimento cheese amps up the flavor nicely.
- Variation: One time, I swapped the mini fillo shells for toasted baguette slices—just as tasty with a bit more chew.
- Dietary swaps: Use turkey bacon for a leaner bite, or a dairy-free cheese spread for special diets.
- Seasonal tweaks: Try adding a few chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a fresh pop.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First up, always preheat your oven to 350°F before anything else—that way it’s ready when you are. Then, lay out your mini fillo shells on a baking sheet so you’re organized and ready to assemble quickly. I like to have all my ingredients within arm’s reach—it makes the process flow so much smoother!
Step 2: Fill Each Shell
Using a teaspoon, scoop about 1 teaspoon of pimento cheese into each fillo shell. The key here: don’t overfill or the cheese might spill over and get too crispy in the oven. Drizzle about ½ teaspoon of the melted green pepper jelly over the cheese—this adds that lovely sweet heat contrast. Finish with about 1 teaspoon of bacon crumbles on top for that irresistible crunch.
Step 3: Bake Until Warm and Bubbly
Pop your tray into the oven for 5-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the goal is warm, slightly melty cheese and crisp, not burned bacon. You’ll know they're ready when the shells are golden and the cheese looks just set but gooey.
Top Tip
I’ve made these dozens of times, and a few little tips make all the difference between good and unforgettable bacon pimento cheese bites.
- Don’t overload the shells: Too much filling makes them soggy and messy, so stick close to the measurements.
- Melt your jelly first: It drizzles so much easier, giving you control over the perfect sweet-spicy glaze.
- Use real chopped bacon pieces: The smoky, crunchy texture can’t be beat compared to larger bacon strips or bits you chop yourself.
- Serve warm: They lose some magic when cold, so time your prep to serve fresh from the oven.
How to Serve Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe
Garnishes
I love a quick sprinkle of fresh chives or finely chopped parsley on top to add a fresh pop of color and mild herbal aroma. Sometimes I add a tiny dab of extra pepper jelly on the side for guests who want more sweetness and heat. It looks pretty, too!
Side Dishes
These bites stand well on their own but go beautifully with a crisp green salad or a light veggie platter with dips. I’ve also paired them with a chilled glass of Rosé or sparkling water with a splash of lemon for the perfect balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I arrange these on a rustic wood board with clusters of grapes and nuts for a sophisticated spread. Another fun idea is to serve them in mini cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go and to add a pop of color that matches your theme.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They stay surprisingly well for 2-3 days, but the shells will soften a bit. I recommend reheating to bring back some crispness.
Freezing
I’ve never frozen the assembled bites, but you could freeze the pimento cheese mixture and bacon separately. Then assemble and bake fresh when you want a quick snack. This keeps texture and flavor intact better.
Reheating
To reheat, pop a few bites on a baking sheet and bake at 325°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and shells regain a bit of crunch. Avoid microwaving—it tends to make the shells soggy and chewy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Homemade pimento cheese adds that personal touch. Just make sure it’s creamy and not too runny so it holds well in the shells.
Great question! You can substitute with small wonton wrappers baked until crisp, toasted baguette slices, or even mini pastry cups. Just adjust baking time accordingly.
You can assemble them a few hours in advance and keep refrigerated, but bake just before serving to keep the shells crisp and filling warm.
They’re on the mild side thanks to the mild green pepper jelly, but you can always swap for a spicier jelly or add cayenne to your cheese if you'd like more heat.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I keep coming back to this Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe because it’s just one of those perfect little things that brighten any gathering. The flavors hit all the right notes, and the ease of making them lets you enjoy the moment, not just the food. You’ll want to keep this one in your regular entertaining arsenal—I promise it’ll wow your guests every time.
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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: American
Description
These Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites are a delightful appetizer featuring crispy mini fillo shells filled with creamy pimento cheese, topped with savory bacon crumbles and a touch of sweet green pepper jelly. Perfect for parties and gatherings, they bake quickly and serve warm for an irresistible bite-sized snack.
Ingredients
Appetizer Ingredients
- 2 (1.9-ounce) (15-count) mini fillo shells
- 1 (3.5-ounce) package chopped real bacon pieces
- ¾ cup prepared pimento cheese (such as Palmetto Cheese brand)
- ½ cup mild green pepper jelly (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to get it ready for baking the appetizers.
- Assemble Bites: Fill each mini fillo shell with 1 teaspoon of pimento cheese. Then drizzle about ½ teaspoon of melted green pepper jelly over the cheese. Finally, sprinkle approximately 1 teaspoon of chopped bacon pieces over the top of each shell.
- Bake: Arrange the filled shells on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes to warm everything through and slightly crisp the shells.
- Serve Warm: Remove from oven and serve the Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites warm for best flavor and texture. This recipe yields 30 bite-sized appetizers, perfect for parties.
Notes
- You can substitute mini tart shells if mini fillo shells are unavailable.
- Use your favorite brand of pimento cheese or homemade for a personalized touch.
- Green pepper jelly can be adjusted to taste, or swap with a different mild pepper jelly for a different flavor profile.
- These appetizers are best served warm but can be made ahead and warmed before serving.
- For a smokier flavor, use bacon bits with a smoky seasoning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
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