Name: Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Southern 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)

There’s something about that rich, creamy pimento cheese paired with crispy bacon and a sweet kick from green pepper jelly that makes these little nibbles irresistible. This Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe is one of my all-time favorite appetizers to serve at gatherings—it’s quick, flavorful, and seriously addictive.

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

This Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe hits all the right notes—creamy, crunchy, salty, and sweet—and comes together in minutes. I love serving these at parties because they feel special but hardly take any effort.

Simple and Fast: You can whip these bites up in under 20 minutes, which is perfect for last-minute entertaining.
Flavor Explosion: The combo of smoky bacon, tangy cheese, and sweet pepper jelly packs a punch in every bite.
Easy to Customize: You can tweak the heat level, swap cheeses, or play with different jellies to suit your taste.
Perfect Crowd-Pleasers: These little bites disappear fast, so you know they’re a hit with guests of all ages.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a key role in this Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe. The mini fillo shells give a crisp, flaky base that holds the creamy, cheesy filling, while the bacon adds that irresistible crunch and savory depth. The mild green pepper jelly brings just enough sweetness and a touch of spice to brighten everything up.

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 make assembly quick and give a buttery, flaky crunch—buy good-quality ones for best texture.
Chopped real bacon pieces: The smoky, crunchy bacon is crucial—it’s the flavor anchor here, so don’t skip or substitute with lesser bacon bits.
Prepared pimento cheese: I love Palmetto Cheese for its smooth texture and balanced flavor, but any good-quality brand works well.
Mild green pepper jelly: Melting this down before drizzling gives a glossy finish and just the right sweet-spicy zing.

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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 this Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. I’ve played around with different cheeses and jellies, and sometimes sneak in extra herbs or spice to surprise my guests.

Variation: I once swapped the mild green pepper jelly for a spicy habanero jelly, and it added a fun, fiery kick that kept folks coming back for more.
Cheese Swap: If you’re not a pimento cheese fan, cream cheese with sharp cheddar mixed in makes a great alternative.
Add Fresh Herbs: Try stirring in chopped chives or parsley to add freshness and a pop of color.
Vegetarian Option: Leave out the bacon and add toasted nuts or smoked paprika for a smoky depth.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients

First things first, I preheat the oven to 350°F so it’s ready when I finish assembling. Then, I melt the green pepper jelly in a small microwave-safe bowl for about 20 seconds—it should be pourable but not hot. Having all ingredients measured out makes assembling a breeze.

Step 2: Fill Those Mini Fillo Shells

Using a teaspoon, I carefully spoon about one teaspoon of pimento cheese into each mini fillo shell. Don’t overload them—too much filling can make them soggy or sloppy. Next, I drizzle roughly half a teaspoon of the melted pepper jelly right over the cheese for that glossy, sweet contrast.

Step 3: Bacon Crumble Topping

Finally, sprinkle about one teaspoon of chopped bacon pieces over each filled shell. The bacon not only adds flavor but also a satisfying textural crunch that takes these bites to the next level.

Step 4: Bake and Serve Warm

Place the filled shells on a baking sheet and pop them in the preheated oven. Bake for 5 to 8 minutes until the shells are slightly golden and the cheese softens but doesn’t melt away. Serving these warm is key to enjoying that perfect melt-in-your-mouth moment with every bite!

Top Tip

After making Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe several times, I’ve found a few tricks that really make all the difference. These tips help you get consistent results and wow your guests every time.

Don’t Overfill Shells: Putting too much cheese or bacon makes the shells soggy or messy, so I stick to teaspoons for portion control.
Use Real Bacon Pieces: The pre-cooked chopped bacon adds smoky flavor and crunch; cheaper bacon bits just don’t deliver the same punch.
Warm Pepper Jelly: Melting the jelly makes it easier to drizzle evenly and gives the perfect sweet glaze—cold jelly clumps up and looks less appealing.
Bake Just Right: Keep a close eye during baking, so the shells crisp up without burning, and the cheese softens but doesn’t run out.

How to Serve Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe

Garnishes

I like to add a tiny fresh parsley leaf on a few bites when serving—they add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that balances the richness. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper right before serving can also bring a nice bite.

Side Dishes

These bites shine as party appetizers, but I often pair them with simple sides like a crisp green salad, sliced fresh vegetables, or classic Southern sides like deviled eggs and pickled okra. They’re great for grazing and complement a variety of flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange the Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe on a wooden charcuterie board, surrounded by colorful fresh fruit and nuts. Adding little cocktail picks makes them super easy for guests to grab and adds a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These bites are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but if you have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When refrigerated, the shells lose some crispness, so I recommend reheating in the oven to restore texture.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing these before assembly to save time, freezing the filled shells separately on a tray, then transferring to a bag. This works okay, but the shells get a little less flaky after thawing. Since they’re so quick to make, I personally prefer fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the bites in a 325°F oven for about 5 minutes to crisp the shell and warm the cheese filling without drying it out. Avoid microwaving—microwaves make the shells soggy and chewy, which isn’t nearly as pleasant.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use larger shells instead of mini fillo shells?

You can, but larger shells will hold more filling, so you may need to increase portions or make fewer bites. Mini fillo shells provide the perfect bite-size serving that’s neat and easy to eat.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe?

Yes! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding smoked paprika or toasted nuts for extra texture and smoky flavor. You can also add diced roasted red peppers to the cheese for more depth.

How far ahead can I assemble the bites before baking?

You can assemble them a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Just bake them fresh before serving to maintain crispness and optimal flavor.

What type of pimento cheese works best?

I recommend a quality prepared brand like Palmetto Cheese, which has a smooth texture and balanced flavors. Homemade pimento cheese works great too if you prefer making it from scratch.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe has become my go-to whenever I want to impress guests with minimal effort. The way the flavors balance and the ease of assembly make me smile every time I serve them. Give it a try—you’ll see why these little bites quickly become the star of any party!