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

There's something about that first bite of a crispy, cheesy, and slightly sweet snack that just pulls you right in. This Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe delivers a perfect mix of smoky bacon, creamy pimento cheese, and a touch of green pepper jelly that makes your taste buds dance — trust me, it's a crowd-pleaser every time!

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

When I first made these Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites, I was blown away at how simple they were to put together and how every flavor popped perfectly. Whether you're hosting a party or just want something special for game day, these bites always steal the show.

Easy to Make: Just a few ingredients and minimal prep time make this recipe incredibly user-friendly.
Flavor Explosion: The smoky bacon, creamy pimento cheese, and sweet pepper jelly combine for a balance that’s seriously addictive.
Perfect Party Starter: These bite-sized gems are great for entertaining — easy for guests to grab and enjoy without fuss.
Customizable: You can easily switch up brands or tweak ingredients to match your taste or dietary needs.

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 of these ingredients plays a key role in making your Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites sing. Using quality components really lifts this simple recipe to something special, so I always pick stuff that tastes fresh and authentic.

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 little cups are the perfect crunchy base that hold all the flavors without getting soggy.
Chopped real bacon pieces: The smoky, salty bacon adds texture and a punch of umami that you can’t skip.
Prepared pimento cheese: Creamy, cheesy, and tangy — I love using Palmetto Cheese for its authentic southern flavor.
Mild green pepper jelly: Melting this jelly and drizzling on top adds a subtle sweet heat that balances the bacon and cheese beautifully.

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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 love mixing things up with this Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe because it’s forgiving and super adaptable. You can tailor it to what you have on hand or to spice things up a bit.

Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is swapping mild pepper jelly for a spicy jalapeño jelly—it kicks up the heat and adds a zesty note.
Dairy-Free Option: Try using a dairy-free pimento cheese alternative and check the bacon bits for any additives, and you’ve got a gluten-free snack that still rocks.
Herb Boost: Toss in a pinch of chopped fresh chives or parsley on top just before serving for a fresh herbal touch.

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

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Fill the Shells

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab your mini fillo shells and place them out on a baking sheet. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of pimento cheese into each shell — don’t overfill or the cheese can spill out during baking. This is all about bite-sized goodness!

Step 2: Drizzle and Sprinkle

Melt the green pepper jelly gently—just enough so it’s pourable but not overly runny. Drizzle roughly ½ teaspoon over each filled shell. Then sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of the chopped bacon over the top, giving every bite that salty crunch.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pop your tray in the oven and bake the bites for 5-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the cheese should get warm and melty, and the shells stay crisp. I like to pull them out as soon as the cheese starts bubbling a bit for that ideal gooey texture.

Top Tip

After making this recipe a dozen times, I’ve learned a few key tricks to make sure yours turns out fantastic every time. A little patience and attention to details go a long way.

Don’t Overfill Shells: Keep the cheese portion to about a teaspoon per shell to avoid spills and sogginess.
Melt Jelly Slowly: Warm the pepper jelly gently in a small bowl over simmering water or short bursts in the microwave so it doesn’t separate.
Use Real Bacon Bits: The smoky flavor is essential—I usually find pre-cooked real bacon pieces in the grocery store for convenience.
Watch the Bake Time: Baking too long dries out the shells; I recommend 5 minutes and then checking so they stay perfectly crispy and warm.

How to Serve Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe

bacon pimento cheese - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish these bites with a small sprig of fresh thyme or a little sprinkle of smoked paprika—it adds a beautiful color contrast and a subtle aroma boost that guests rave about.

Side Dishes

Pairing these with a light green salad, some crunchy pickles, or even a bowl of chilled shrimp cocktail creates an elegant, satisfying spread that’s perfect for any gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve arranged these bites around a cheese board with fresh fruit and mixed nuts—makes for a stunning centerpiece. Alternatively, serve them on a tiered dessert stand to give them that fancy finger-food vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (rare at my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I recommend reheating in the oven rather than the microwave to help keep the shells crisp and cheese melty.

Freezing

I’ve found freezing isn’t ideal for these because the fillo shells lose their crunch after thawing. But if needed, freeze just the bacon, jelly, and pimento cheese separately to keep flavors fresh and assemble fresh before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftover bites on a baking sheet in a 325°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This revives the crispiness of the shells and warms up the filling without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these bites ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the bites up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.

What type of pimento cheese works best?

I prefer a creamy, flavorful pimento cheese like Palmetto Cheese, but you can use any good quality prepared version or even homemade. Just make sure it’s not too runny so it stays inside the shells.

Can I use different types of jelly?

Absolutely! Mild green pepper jelly is classic, but I’ve also enjoyed swapping in jalapeño jelly or even a red pepper jelly for more heat or different flavor notes.

Are these bites gluten-free?

The mini fillo shells usually contain gluten, so this recipe isn’t naturally gluten-free. However, you could experiment with gluten-free shell alternatives or make your own crisp bread cups as a substitute.

Final Thoughts

I’m genuinely excited every time I make these Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites because they bring back memories of fun gatherings and easy, delicious snacking. I hope you enjoy making (and eating) them as much as I do—once you try them, they just might become your go-to appetizer, too!