Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you today! I can’t wait to share my favorite recipe for Pimento Cheese Bites with you. If you’re anything like me, you truly appreciate those delicious little finger foods that instantly elevate any gathering. These bites are the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with a delightful crunch from the mini phyllo cups. Seriously, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and they’ve become a must-have at my parties.
Every time I whip up a batch of these Pimento Cheese Bites, I’m reminded of my childhood backyard BBQs where my aunt would present her famous pimento cheese spread. She always had the happiest smile as she served it! I’ve made some fun twists on her recipe over the years (because let’s be honest, who can resist adding bacon and jalapeños?), and it’s truly evolved into something special. Whether I serve them at game nights or family gatherings, they always bring back those warm, nostalgic memories.
What’s in Pimento Cheese Bites?
Let’s break down the ingredients that make up these scrumptious bites, shall we? Here’s what you’ll need to grab:
Pimento Cheese: This creamy cheese spread is the star of the show! You can go the easy route and pick up some store-bought, or you can try making your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
Mini Phyllo Pastry Cups: These little wonders serve as the crispy vessel for our cheesy filling. If you can’t find them, tart shells work perfectly too!
Diced Cooked Bacon (optional): What’s better than cheese? Cheese with bacon! If you’d like to amp up the flavor, this is a fantastic addition.
Diced Green Onions: Adding a bit of freshness and a mild oniony crunch!
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: More cheese, yes please! Use sharp cheddar for an extra flavor kick.
Sweet Pickle Relish: A delightful sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cheese.
Diced Red Bell Pepper: Adds color and a bit of sweetness.
Diced Jalapeños (optional): If you like a bit of heat in your bites, toss some in. Personal preference here!
Olive Oil Spray: A quick spritz to help everything get wonderfully golden and crispy.
Hot Sauce or Cocktail Sauce: This is the finishing touch to add that zing you crave!
Fresh Parsley or Chives (optional): For a pop of color and flavor, these garnishes elevate your presentation beautifully!
Is Pimento Cheese Bites Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health aspects! While these bites are undeniably indulgent, they can still fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.
Pimento Cheese: While it’s rich and creamy, make sure to look for lighter versions or control your portions to keep it from becoming too heavy.
Bacon: Let’s be real, who can resist bacon? Using turkey bacon is a great alternative if you’re looking to cut down on fat.
Phyllo Cups: These are generally lower in fat than traditional pastry shells, making them a lighter option.
Overall, these bites are a great way to add flavor to your gatherings, but it’s always a good idea to balance them with lighter foods or salads when serving.
Ingredients
– 1 cup pimento cheese (store-bought or homemade)
– 24 mini phyllo pastry cups (or tart shells)
– 1/4 cup diced cooked bacon (optional)
– 1/4 cup diced green onions
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
– 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup diced jalapeños (optional for heat)
– Olive oil spray (for greasing)
– Hot sauce or cocktail sauce (for topping)
– Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish, optional)
This recipe makes about 24 delightful bites, perfect for sharing (or not!).
How to Make Pimento Cheese Bites?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the mini phyllo pastry cups on a baking sheet, ready for their cheesy filling.
3. In a bowl, combine the pimento cheese, bacon, green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, pickle relish, red bell pepper, and jalapeños (if you’re feeling adventurous with the heat). Mix until everything is well combined, and you can’t resist licking the spoon!
4. Carefully spoon the pimento cheese mixture into each phyllo cup, filling them generously. Don’t be shy!
5. Lightly spray the filled cups with olive oil, helping them get nice and crispy while baking.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the cups are golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen smells divine!
7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Then, top each bite with hot sauce or cocktail sauce as desired for that extra kick!
8. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives if you’re feeling fancy, and serve warm.
Extra Tips for Delicious Pimento Cheese Bites
– If you’re making these ahead of time, you can prep the filling and store it in the fridge. Just fill the cups right before baking for that freshly-made taste.
– Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Crumbled feta or a drizzle of balsamic glaze could take it to another level.
– For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon, and add more peppers and onions instead.
I hope you’re as excited to make these Pimento Cheese Bites as I am! They’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a fancy soirée or just a cozy movie night in. Do give them a try, and let me know how they turn out—I’d love to hear about your kitchen adventures! Happy cooking!
