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If you love the rich, tangy zing of classic Southern comfort food, you are going to adore this Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe. These little phyllo cups brimming with creamy, sharp cheddar pimento cheese are an irresistible appetizer that balances crispy, cheesy, and savory all in one delightful bite. Whether you’re hosting a lively party or simply craving a flavorful snack, these bites deliver a burst of nostalgia and charm that will have everyone asking for seconds. They’re simple to make but boast a depth of flavor and texture that truly elevates the humble pimento cheese into a crowd-pleaser worth savoring.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe keeps things delightfully straightforward: each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect harmony of creaminess, tang, and subtle spice. From the flaky, crispy phyllo cups providing a delicate crunch to the blend of sharp cheddar and cream cheese offering lusciousness, every component is essential for that unforgettable taste and texture.
- Phyllo cups (2 packages, 15 cups each): These provide the crisp, flaky vessels that contrast beautifully with the creamy filling.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Adds smoothness and a slight tanginess, balancing flavors perfectly.
- Cream cheese, softened (4 oz): Contributes richness and a luscious texture to the filling.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): Infuses a subtle aromatic depth without overpowering the cheese.
- Paprika (¼ tsp): Offers a hint of smoky warmth and enhances the vibrant color.
- Old Bay seasoning (¼ tsp): Introduces a distinctive zesty kick that brightens the mixture.
- Jarred pimentos, drained (4 oz) with 1 tbsp reserved juice: The star ingredient providing sweetness and color that make these bites pop.
- Yellow onion, grated (2 tsp): Adds a fresh, mild sharpness that complements the cheese without overwhelming it.
- Sharp cheddar cheese, grated (2 cups): Brings that classic tangy punch and gooey melty goodness.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essentials for seasoning that perfect balance.
How to Make Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Phyllo Cups
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F, creating the warm environment for your pimento cheese bites to bake to perfection. While the oven warms up, gently arrange 30 phyllo cups on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Space them out just enough so they bake evenly and retain their crispness. This setup is your foundation for creating those spectacularly flaky bites.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Pimento Cheese Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, blend together mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and Old Bay seasoning until the mixture is silky smooth—using a hand mixer makes this especially easy. Next, fold in the drained jarred pimentos along with their reserved juice, grated yellow onion, and sharp cheddar cheese. Season carefully with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, remembering that this flavor-packed filling is the heart of the recipe.
Step 3: Fill the Phyllo Cups
Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, lovingly fill each phyllo cup with the cheesy pimento mixture. Being generous here is key because these bites are all about that flavorful, oozy surprise inside each crisp cup. Take your time to fill each one so every bite is perfectly satisfying.
Step 4: Bake to Golden, Melty Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake the bites for about 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye out for the cheese to melt beautifully and the tops to bubble and develop a light golden hue. Once baked, let them cool for 2 to 3 minutes — this little pause helps the filling set just right and prevents any burning on eager fingers!
How to Serve Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe even further, think about topping each bite with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like finely chopped parsley or chives. A dash of extra paprika or a tiny sliver of pickled jalapeño can also add a lovely punch of color and a hint of spice that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheesiness.
Side Dishes
These bites pair wonderfully with cool, crisp sides to balance their rich intensity. Fresh veggie crudités, such as celery sticks or cucumber slices, work wonderfully. A tangy coleslaw or a simple green salad with a vinaigrette can also complement the decadence while refreshing the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual gatherings, try serving these Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe in a decorative wooden board or an elegant platter surrounded by colorful garnishes. You can also place them atop delicate lettuce leaves or nestle them in small cupcake liners to make grabbing and serving even easier. Presentation really amps up the charm and makes these little bites irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because these disappear fast!), keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two days, preserving their delightful flavor and creaminess without becoming soggy.
Freezing
Although these bites are best enjoyed fresh for the perfect crunch and creaminess, you can freeze the prepared filling separately in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. To freeze the filled phyllo cups, it’s best to bake them first and cool completely, then freeze them on a baking tray before transferring to a sealed bag. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe in a preheated 325°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This will melt the cheese again and help re-crisp the phyllo cups slightly, restoring much of their original charm. Avoid microwaving as it can make phyllo cups soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is traditional and offers that familiar tangy punch, you can experiment with cheeses like smoked gouda, pepper jack, or even a mix of cheeses to tailor the flavor to your liking.
Are phyllo cups easy to find in stores?
Phyllo cups are usually available in the frozen section of most grocery stores or specialty food markets. If you can’t find them, you can make your own phyllo shells or opt for mini tart shells as a creative alternative.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pimento cheese filling a day in advance. Just keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, fill the phyllo cups and bake as directed for the freshest results.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Definitely! Pimento Cheese Bites are ideal party appetizers because they are bite-sized, easy to eat, and burst with flavor. They add a lovely homemade touch that guests will appreciate and remember.
Can I make these bites vegetarian?
This recipe is naturally vegetarian as it contains no meat or animal broth. Just be sure your Old Bay seasoning and other ingredients meet your vegetarian preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe is an absolute joy to make and even more joyful to share. The combination of creamy, sharp, and savory flavors inside a crisp phyllo cup really shines as an appetizer or a snack that steals the show. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked and eager to serve them at every gathering. So, grab those simple ingredients and dive into the delicious world of Southern-inspired bites that everyone will love!
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Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
Description
Pimento Cheese Bites are delightful, crispy phyllo cups filled with a creamy, flavorful mixture of sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, cream cheese, and piquant jarred pimentos. This appetizer is perfect for parties and gatherings, offering a delicious blend of tangy and savory notes with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Phyllo Cups
- 2 packages (15 cups per package) phyllo cups (30 cups total)
Filling
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 4 oz jarred pimentos, drained (reserve 1 tbsp juice)
- 2 tsp yellow onion, grated
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Phyllo Cups: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, remove the phyllo cups from their packages and arrange all 30 cups on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them evenly to ensure proper heat circulation.
- Make the Pimento Cheese Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and Old Bay seasoning. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend the ingredients thoroughly until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. Gently fold in the drained pimentos along with the reserved 1 tablespoon of pimento juice, grated yellow onion, and grated sharp cheddar cheese. Finally, season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste and mix until well incorporated.
- Fill the Phyllo Cups: Using a small cookie scoop or a spoon, generously fill each phyllo cup with the prepared pimento cheese mixture, making sure each cup is nicely filled to the top without overfilling.
- Bake the Cheese Bites: Place the baking sheet with the filled cups into the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese mixture melts completely and the tops are bubbly with a light golden color.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the pimento cheese bites to cool for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy these crispy, cheesy appetizers immediately.
Notes
- Be sure to reserve the pimento juice as it adds additional flavor to the filling.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor contrast and melting qualities.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the filling mixture.
- Phyllo cups can be found in the frozen section or specialty baking aisles of grocery stores.
- These bites are best served fresh but can be made ahead and reheated briefly in the oven.
