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

There’s something downright irresistible about a tiny explosion of savory, creamy, and sweet all at once — that’s exactly what you get with this Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe. These little bites are perfect for gatherings or just treating yourself to a crunchy, cheesy snack with a surprise pop of bacon and pepper jelly.

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 honestly can’t get enough of these Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites. They’re simple, yet packed with flavor — a winning combo that’s both casual and impressive depending on the occasion. Plus, they come together in under 20 minutes, which is perfect when you need something quick but memorable.

Quick & Easy: You’ll have these ready before your guests can even finish a drink.
Balanced Flavors: The creamy pimento cheese, smoky bacon, and sweet-spicy pepper jelly dance beautifully on your palate.
Perfect Crowd-Pleaser: Bite-sized and portable for parties or casual snacking.
Make Ahead Friendly: Prep them in advance, then warm just before serving for maximum freshness.

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

Each ingredient in the Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe plays a star role. The creamy pimento cheese brings that classic Southern tang, while the crispy chopped bacon adds a smoky crunch. Pepper jelly ties everything with a sweet heat that wakes up your taste buds.

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: These are the perfect little vessels—light, flaky, and they hold the fillings without getting soggy quickly.
Chopped real bacon pieces: Buy pre-made bacon crumbles for convenience—it’s easier and just as flavorful as cooking bacon yourself.
Prepared pimento cheese: I’m a big fan of Palmetto Cheese, but any good-quality pimento cheese you like will work wonderfully here.
Mild green pepper jelly: Melting this helps it drizzle smoothly over the bites, bringing a wonderful sweet and tangy zing that balances the richness.

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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 the things I adore about the Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit your mood or occasion. I often switch up the pepper jelly — sometimes using a spicy red pepper jelly if I want more heat, or even a fig jam for a slightly sweeter twist.

Variation: I once tried smoked gouda instead of the traditional pimento cheese, and it gave the bites a lovely smoky depth that everyone raved about.
Dietary tweak: For a gluten-free option, swap fillo shells with gluten-free wonton wrappers or even mini baked potato nests.
Make it vegetarian: Omit the bacon and sprinkle with chopped roasted nuts or sun-dried tomatoes for an umami punch.

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

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Fillos

First thing, preheat your oven to 350°F. While it’s warming up, lay out the mini fillo shells on a baking sheet. These delicate little cups need careful handling so they don’t break—trust me, I’ve learned that the hard way!

Step 2: Fill with Pimento Cheese

Spoon about 1 teaspoon of your prepared pimento cheese into each shell. Don’t overfill—too much can make your bites soggy or spill over during baking.

Step 3: Drizzle Melted Pepper Jelly

Gently drizzle roughly half a teaspoon of melted pepper jelly over the cheese. Warming the jelly makes it nice and fluid so it coats evenly, giving a shiny, mouthwatering glaze.

Step 4: Sprinkle Crispy Bacon Crumbles

Top each little bite with about a teaspoon of chopped bacon pieces. I like them extra crispy for texture—don’t skip this step because it makes the dish!

Step 5: Bake and Serve Warm

Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 5-8 minutes until everything is warmed through, and the shells are crisp. I usually keep an eye around the 5-minute mark to avoid overbaking. Serve right away for the best experience.

Top Tip

From my many attempts at perfecting the Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe, a few simple tricks make all the difference. Trust me — these can elevate your bites from good to unforgettable.

Avoid sogginess: Don’t let the pimento cheese sit in the shells too long before baking; fill and bake soon after assembling to keep them crisp.
Melt your jelly: Gently warming the pepper jelly helps it drizzle smoothly and evenly – no clumps or globs here!
Use quality bacon: Real chopped pieces bring a smoky depth and crispy texture you just can’t get with bacon bits.
Watch your baking time: Mini fillo shells brown quickly—check often to prevent burning and keep that perfect crunch.

How to Serve Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe

bacon pimento cheese - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping these bites with a tiny sprig of fresh thyme or a light sprinkle of finely chopped chives. It adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness that complements the cheese and bacon beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these bites with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette or a bowl of fresh fruit. If you're serving at a party, I usually add a platter of pickles and olives to balance the richness with something briny and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

One thing I like to do for special occasions is serve these Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites on a rustic wooden board with small ramekins holding extra pepper jelly and pimento cheese for dipping. It makes the spread look inviting and lets guests customize their bites whether they want more sweetness or cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though they rarely last long in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. To keep the shells crisp, I recommend reheating in the oven rather than the microwave.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing unbaked filled shells (assembled with cheese and bacon only) on a parchment-lined tray, then transferring to a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time. The pepper jelly is best added fresh after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the bites on a baking sheet and warm at 325°F for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and the shells regain their crunch. Avoid microwaving as it softens the fillo and makes them less enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Homemade pimento cheese is fantastic here and allows you to adjust spice and cheese ratios to your liking. Just be sure it’s firm enough to hold shape inside the fillo shells.

What can I substitute for fillo shells?

If you can’t find mini fillo shells, try using small tortilla cups, wonton wrappers baked into cups, or even endive leaves as a fresh, crisp alternative.

How spicy is the pepper jelly in this recipe?

The mild green pepper jelly I use offers a gentle sweet heat that complements the creamy pimento cheese without overpowering it. You can always swap for a spicier version if you enjoy more kick.

Can I prepare these bites ahead for a party?

Yes! You can assemble the Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites ahead of time and refrigerate them on the baking sheet covered with plastic wrap. Bake them fresh just before guests arrive to keep that crisp texture and warm filling.

Final Thoughts

These Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe has become my go-to for everything from casual nights in to holiday parties. They’re just that good, combining ease with incredible flavor. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do—so go ahead, give them a whirl and watch your friends come back for seconds!