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 (Palmetto Cheese brand recommended); 1/2 cup mild green pepper jelly (melted)

Crunchy, cheesy, and just a little sweet with that smoky bacon kick—this Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe brings together all the flavors you didn’t know you needed in a party appetizer. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find any excuse to whip them up again!

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’ve been making these bites for a few years now, and honestly, they always disappear faster than I expect. They’re simple, yet packed with a flavor punch that feels fancy without any complex steps.

Quick & Easy: You’ll have these done in under 20 minutes — perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Perfect Party Bites: Mini fillo cups make these easy to serve and eat without utensils or mess.
Flavor Explosion: The smoky bacon, creamy pimento cheese, and sweet pepper jelly create an unbeatable combo.
Customizable: You can swap in your favorite cheese or jelly to make it your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk about the ingredients that make the Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe so delicious. Each one is chosen to blend texture and flavor just right, resulting in that perfect bite every time.

Mini fillo shells: Crispy and light, they keep the filling contained and add a beautiful crunch.
Chopped real bacon pieces: The smoky, salty bits bring a savory depth that’s hard to resist.
Prepared pimento cheese: Creamy and cheesy, it’s the star of the show—go for a good-quality brand like Palmetto Cheese.
Mild green pepper jelly (melted): Sweeter than hot jelly, it balances the saltiness and adds a hint of fruitiness.

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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

One of my favorite things about the Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. You can make it spicier, swap cheeses, or even use different types of jelly — whatever suits your taste!

Variation: I sometimes switch the mild green pepper jelly for a hot pepper jelly if I’m in the mood for a little kick. It’s delicious and adds a nice warmth to the bites.
Dietary tweak: For less salt, use turkey bacon bits or lightly rinse your bacon pieces before assembling.
Seasonal twist: During holidays, I add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Mini Fillo Cups

I like to preheat my oven to 350°F early on so it's ready when I assemble the bites. Lay out the mini fillo shells on a baking sheet — it helps keep everything organized and ready to pop in the oven.

Step 2: Fill Each Shell With Pimento Cheese

Spoon about a teaspoon of prepared pimento cheese into each mini shell. Don’t overfill because you want to keep the perfect balance between the shell and filling. It helps if your pimento cheese is creamy and not overly chunky.

Step 3: Drizzle Melted Pepper Jelly for Sweetness

Next, drizzle roughly half a teaspoon of mild green pepper jelly on each bite. I melt the jelly briefly in the microwave to make it easy to drizzle. This little sweet touch elevates the flavors.

Step 4: Top With Bacon Bits and Bake

Sprinkle about a teaspoon of the chopped bacon pieces on top of each filled shell. Then, pop the tray in the preheated oven for 5-8 minutes—just until the cheese starts to get warm and the shells crisp up a bit more. Watch carefully so they don’t burn.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Warm

These taste best served warm — the cheese is melty, and the bacon is crisp. Trust me, they’ll be gone fast at your next party!

Top Tip

After making this recipe multiple times, I’ve learned that these little pointers make all the difference in nail-bitingly good bites:

Use Quality Pimento Cheese: A creamy, well-balanced pimento cheese is key—avoid ones that are too dry or grainy.
Melt the Jelly: Melting the pepper jelly makes it easier to drizzle evenly, so every bite has that perfect sweet contrast.
Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on baking time to avoid overly crispy shells or dried-out cheese.
Assemble Just Before Baking: This keeps the shells crisp and ensures no sogginess sneaks in before serving.

How to Serve Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a bit of freshly chopped chives or parsley on top right before serving—it adds a fresh pop of color and a subtle herbaceous note that brightens the richness.

Side Dishes

These bites pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or a simple fruit platter. If I’m hosting, I usually put out some crunchy pickles or olives on the side for a nice tang.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try serving these on a wooden board with several small bowls of assorted jellies and crumbled bacon for guests to customize their bites. It turns a simple appetizer into a fun interactive experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I like to layer them carefully to avoid crushing the delicate fillo shells.

Freezing

I haven’t frozen these filled and baked because the fillo tends to lose its crispness, but you can freeze the unbaked filled shells. When you want a quick snack, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the bites in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This helps warm the cheese without burning the shells and revives their crunch better than a microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Yes! You can prepare the filled mini fillo shells a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Assemble the bacon topping and drizzle with jelly just before baking to keep everything crisp.

What brand of pimento cheese do you recommend?

I personally like the Palmetto Cheese brand because it’s creamy with a great balance of spices and real cheddar flavor, but feel free to use your favorite or even homemade pimento cheese for best results.

Can I use different jelly flavors?

Absolutely! While mild green pepper jelly adds nice sweetness without heat, you can swap in hot pepper jelly or even a berry jelly for a twist on flavor.

Are mini fillo shells necessary or can I use something else?

Mini fillo shells are ideal because they hold the filling and crisp nicely when baked. If unavailable, you can try small wonton wrappers shaped into cups or even baked tortilla cups as a substitute.

Final Thoughts

Making the Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe always feels like a little celebration in my kitchen. It’s a snack that’s so straightforward yet feels like a treat, perfect when you're hosting friends or simply want a tasty pick-me-up. Give it a go—you’ll be so glad you did, and I’m betting these bites become your new favorite quick appetizer too!