Name: Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: 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 (such as Palmetto Cheese brand); 1/2 cup mild green pepper jelly (melted)

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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: 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.

📝

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 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

bacon pimento cheese - Serving Suggestion

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:

Can I use homemade pimento cheese for this recipe?

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.

What if I don’t have mini fillo 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.

Can I make these bites ahead of time?

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.

How spicy are these Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites?

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.