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

There’s something about the perfect bite-sized snack that just makes any gathering instantly better. This Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe combines creamy, cheesy goodness with the smoky crunch of bacon and a touch of sweet-spicy pepper jelly—trust me, it’s a flavor party you'll want to join.

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 recipe feels like a Southern classic meets a modern party pleaser, easy to make but full of layered flavors. It’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want to impress but keep things simple.

Quick and Easy: Just a few ingredients and minutes in the oven make these perfect last-minute appetizers.
Flavor Explosion: Creamy pimento cheese + smoky bacon + sweet green pepper jelly create a fantastic balance of tastes.
Party Ready: Bite-sized shell cups keep things neat and elegant, perfect for guests to grab and enjoy.
Customizable: You can easily dial up the heat or swap flavors based on what you love or have on hand.

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

Each ingredient in the Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe plays a special role balancing texture and flavor. These key players are easy to find but create an impressive snack once combined.

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 provide a crisp, delicate vessel that holds the filling without overpowering it, plus they’re super convenient—no need for homemade crust here.
Chopped real bacon pieces: I love adding bacon crumbles for that irresistible smoky crunch that contrasts beautifully with creamy cheese.
Prepared pimento cheese: Using a quality, flavorful pimento cheese like Palmetto Cheese makes this recipe really shine—don’t skip on the cheese quality!
Mild green pepper jelly: This brings a sweet and slightly tangy pop that cuts through the richness and ties all the flavors 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 like to keep the base recipe classic, but I’m always tinkering with it to switch up flavors or textures. This snack invites your creativity, so don’t feel stuck with the original.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the green pepper jelly for a spicy red pepper jelly to add a little fire, and it’s always a hit.
Dairy-Free Option: Try a vegan pimento cheese to make these suitable for different dietary needs—just check the bacon or use a plant-based bacon substitute.
Extra Crunch: Adding a sprinkle of crushed pecans on top before baking adds a lovely nuttiness and texture.

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

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Workstation

Start by heating your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when you assemble the bites. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat for easy cleanup—trust me, it makes a difference when dealing with melted cheese and jelly drips.

Step 2: Fill Your Mini Fillo Shells

Spoon about 1 teaspoon of pimento cheese into each shell. This is where I pay attention not to overfill so the shells stay crisp and hold their shape. The cheese should be generous but neat.

Step 3: Add Pepper Jelly and Bacon

Drizzle about half a teaspoon of the melted green pepper jelly over each filled shell. Then sprinkle approximately a teaspoon of chopped bacon pieces on top. This layering ensures every bite has that perfect combo of creamy, sweet, and smoky.

Step 4: Bake and Serve Warm

Arrange the filled shells on your baking sheet and bake in your preheated oven for 5 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the shells should get a little golden, and the cheese warms without melting into a mess. Serve immediately while they’re warm and inviting.

Top Tip

After making these Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe several times, I found a few little tricks that really elevate the final result—and save you some stress.

Don’t Overfill: Too much cheese or jelly can weigh down the fillo shell, making it soggy—stick with the recommended teaspoons for balance.
Melt Pepper Jelly First: Melting the jelly makes it easier to drizzle and spreads flavor evenly across each bite.
Use Sturdy Mini Shells: Some brands of fillo shells are flimsier—choose ones that hold their shape for the best presentation and crisp bite.
Serve Warm: These bites are at their best warm; if you make them ahead, a quick reheat in a low oven refreshes texture and flavor.

How to Serve Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe

Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a little fresh chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor that contrasts nicely with the rich bites.

Side Dishes

Pair these with crisp cucumber slices or a tangy cole slaw for a refreshing balance. I also love serving them alongside a light, bubbly white wine or an ice-cold beer for easy entertaining.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I arrange the bites on a tiered serving tray surrounded by additional bacon strips and tiny bowls of pepper jelly for guests to add extra if they like. It makes the appetizer table look irresistible and interactive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you do have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I lay them in a single layer to keep the shells from getting soggy. They stay good for about 2 days.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze the finished bites because the fillo shells tend to lose their crispness, but you could freeze just the cheese mixture in an airtight container. Thaw it in the fridge and assemble fresh shells when ready.

Reheating

To reheat, place the bites on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This gently melts the cheese without drying out the bacon or making the shells chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

You can assemble the bites a few hours ahead, keep them covered in the fridge, and bake just before serving to keep the shells crisp and fresh.

What if I can’t find mini fillo shells?

If mini fillo shells aren’t available, tiny tartlet shells or sturdy wonton cups make great substitutes and will hold the filling nicely.

How spicy is this recipe?

The recipe is mild thanks to the mild green pepper jelly. For more heat, try swapping in a spicy pepper jelly or add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mix.

Can I use homemade pimento cheese?

Absolutely! Homemade pimento cheese adds a fresh, personalized touch. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape in the shells.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe has become my go-to for gatherings because it feels both special and totally doable. The blend of flavors and textures always gets compliments, and it’s such a crowd-pleaser. I really hope you enjoy making these as much as I do—it’s the kind of easy, delicious snack that makes any moment feel a little more festive.