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)

There’s something downright irresistible about the combo of creamy, tangy pimento cheese with smoky bacon crunch in these tiny, golden shells. I want to share this Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe because it’s an easy crowd-pleaser that you can whip up in less than 20 minutes—I promise, once you taste this, it’ll be a staple at all your gatherings.

Small tartlets are shown on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. Each tartlet has a golden, crispy, ruffled crust that holds a creamy yellow-orange filling topped with small pieces of crispy reddish-brown bacon. The tartlets are arranged in a scattered pattern with the focus on the front ones, showing texture details on the filling and crust. 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 was instantly hooked the first time I made these bites because they balance sharp, savory flavors with just a hint of sweetness from the green pepper jelly. Plus, they’re bite-sized, which means people can’t stop at just one (ask me how I know!).

Speedy Prep: You can put these together super fast, making them perfect for last-minute guests or impromptu parties.
Flavor Explosion: The smoky bacon mixed with creamy pimento cheese and a touch of sweet pepper jelly hits all the right notes.
Easy to Customize: You can easily swap ingredients or add your own twist to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day, a family gathering, or a fancy cocktail party, these bites fit right in.

Several small tartlets are shown on a wooden board. Each tartlet has one layer of a light golden, crispy pastry shell that is ruffled at the edges. Inside the shell, there is a layer of melted cheese mixed with small bits of browned meat and green pepper pieces, with a slightly crispy texture on top. The tartlets are arranged with the closest one in clear focus and the rest softly blurred in the background on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe has its special role — crispy shells to hold the mix, tasty bacon for crunch, creamy pimento cheese for richness, and green pepper jelly to balance it all with sweet heat. Here’s why I pick these specific ingredients (and a few tips when you’re shopping):

Flat lay of crispy chopped bacon pieces, smooth creamy pimento cheese with bits of pimento, glossy mild green pepper jelly in a small puddle, golden mini fillo shells, scattered red pimento peppers, and fresh green bell pepper slices, all beautifully arranged in a balanced composition and vibrant colors, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Mini fillo shells: These are perfect little edible cups; they bake to crispness quickly and hold their shape well. If you can’t find mini fillo shells, tiny phyllo cups or even wonton wrappers shaped in a muffin tin can work.
Chopped real bacon pieces: I love using pre-cooked bacon bits for convenience—but go for good quality or homemade crispy bacon for max flavor.
Prepared pimento cheese: Palmetto Cheese brand is my go-to because it’s creamy, has a great tang, and isn’t overloaded with artificial stuff. You can also make your own if you have time!
Mild green pepper jelly: Melting it slightly helps it drizzle easily and adds a subtle sweet-spicy touch that ties everything together.

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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’m all about putting my own spin on recipes, and this Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe is no exception. Feel free to play with the mix-ins and toppings, or swap ingredients to match your flavor preferences or what you have on hand.

Variation: I once swapped the green pepper jelly for spicy fig jam—totally delicious and a bit unexpected!
Diet swap: Use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon bits if you want a lighter or meatless version without losing that smoky touch.
Extra crunch: Adding a sprinkle of crushed pecans or toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking gives a nutty texture boost.

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

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Ingredients Ready

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, gather your mini fillo shells, pimento cheese, cooked bacon bits, and green pepper jelly. Having everything close by makes the assembly smooth and speedy.

Step 2: Fill Each Shell with Pimento Cheese

Using a teaspoon, scoop about one teaspoon of the pimento cheese into each mini fillo shell. Don’t overfill, or it’ll spill over once baked. You want that perfect balance of cheese filling and crispy shell every bite.

Step 3: Drizzle with Warmed Green Pepper Jelly

Melt the green pepper jelly gently in a microwave or over low heat until it’s drizzly. Then carefully spoon about half a teaspoon onto each filled shell—this little sweetness perk really elevates the flavors.

Step 4: Top with Bacon Crumbles

Sprinkle roughly one teaspoon of chopped, cooked bacon over each bite. The crunch and smoky saltiness are what make these little appetizers addictive, so don’t skimp here!

Step 5: Bake and Serve Warm

Arrange the stuffed shells on a baking sheet and pop them in the preheated oven for 5 to 8 minutes. You’re aiming for warmed filling and crispy shells without burning the bacon—keep an eye on them after 5 minutes!

Top Tip

I’ve made these Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe dozens of times, and a few tricks saved me from common pitfalls like soggy shells or overpowering flavors. These tips will help you nail it every time:

Shell Crispness: Use mini fillo shells that are fully thawed (if frozen) and handle them gently to avoid cracks; baking at 350°F crisps them perfectly without burning.
Jelly Temperature: Warm the pepper jelly just enough to drizzle easily; too hot and it might make the shells soggy, too cold and it won’t spread evenly.
Bacon Balance: Crispy bacon bits pack flavor, so if you add extra, cut back slightly on the jelly to keep the sweet-savory harmony.
Bake Time Awareness: Keep a close watch during baking—overbaking dries out the cheese, underbaking leaves the filling cold. Aim for that melty, warm center!

How to Serve Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe

bacon pimento cheese - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnishes simple because the bites are so flavorful on their own. But a tiny fresh herb leaf like parsley or chives on top adds a sweet pop of color. Occasionally, I’ll also sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika for extra smoky depth and a little flair.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a light, crunchy salad or a bowl of fresh veggies with ranch dip. For a heartier spread, I like serving alongside deviled eggs or even a charcuterie board with nuts and fruit—makes for a diverse and colorful party table.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I arranged these bites on a large wooden board layered with lettuce leaves for a rustic look, perfect for a backyard cookout. Another time, I placed them in individual mini cupcake liners for a more elegant touch at a bridal shower. Seriously, don’t be afraid to tailor how you present these little gems!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I find it best to separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together and lose that crisp texture.

Freezing

Though I don’t usually freeze these bites because they’re so quick to make fresh, you can freeze unbaked filled shells on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to keep the shells crisp while warming the filling. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the shells soggy and chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the pimento cheese from scratch for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade pimento cheese can be just as delicious. Use sharp cheddar, mayonnaise, diced pimentos, and your favorite seasonings. Just be sure it’s thick enough to hold in the shells without running.

What can I use if I can’t find mini fillo shells?

If mini fillo shells aren’t available, try using mini phyllo cups, wonton wrappers baked in a mini muffin tin, or even small toasted bread rounds as a base for the pimento cheese and bacon topping.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Standard mini fillo shells contain gluten, but you can look for certified gluten-free phyllo cups or substitute with gluten-free cracker bases or vegetable cups like cucumber slices to keep it gluten-free.

Can I prepare these bites ahead of time for a party?

Yes! You can assemble them a few hours before serving and store them covered in the fridge. Just bake them shortly before guests arrive to keep the shells crisp and the filling warm.

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe is one of those little kitchen gems that can turn any casual get-together into something special. It’s easy to make, universally loved, and offers that perfect combo of creamy, crunchy, tangy, and smoky in every bite. I’m confident once you try it, you’ll be reaching for it again and again—just like I do when I want to impress my guests with minimal fuss. Give it a go—I know you’ll enjoy it as much as I do!