Warm, melty, and full of Southern charm, Pimento Cheese Bites are a party-perfect snack that disappears fast from any table. These little phyllo cup treasures deliver bold flavor in every bite.
Sharp cheddar, briny pimentos, and a creamy blend of mayo and cream cheese come together in a crisp, golden shell. They’re fast to prep, easy to love, and impossible to eat just one.
Star Players in These Pimento Cheese Bites
- Phyllo cups – Buttery, crisp, and the ideal crunchy vessel to hold the gooey cheese filling.
- Cream cheese – Adds creamy richness that smooths and binds the pimento filling.
- Mayonnaise – Classic Southern touch that enhances the tang and texture of the cheese spread.
- Sharp cheddar cheese – Bold, aged flavor that melts into irresistible cheesy goodness.
- Pimentos – Sweet and slightly smoky, they give the bites their signature pop of color and taste.
- Old Bay seasoning – A subtle coastal spice kick that takes the flavor from expected to exciting.
How to Make These Cheesy Gems
Preheat your oven and set out the phyllo cups—those crispy little shells won’t need long to transform in the heat.
Whisk together the creamy base: mayo, softened cream cheese, and a trio of spices including garlic powder, paprika, and Old Bay.
Fold in the grated onion, drained pimentos, and that sharp cheddar for a vibrant, flavorful mix.
Spoon the filling into each shell (a small cookie scoop works wonders), and bake until golden and bubbling.
Serve them warm and watch them vanish.
Tips, Twists, and Southern Secrets
For extra punch, swap in smoked paprika or add a splash of hot sauce to the filling. Want to make them heartier? Mix in a little crumbled cooked bacon before baking for a savory twist.
If you’re feeling festive, garnish with chives or a sliver of jalapeño after baking for added color and a hint of heat.
Make-ahead tip: the cheese mixture can be prepped a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Fill and bake just before serving for fresh-from-the-oven flavor.
Keeping Leftovers Tasty
To store, let the bites cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through and crispy again—skip the microwave to preserve that delightful phyllo crunch.
Freezing is not recommended, as the phyllo may lose its crispness and the filling can become watery upon thawing.
Pimento Cheese Bites
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese grated
- 2 teaspoons grated yellow onion
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 15-count packages phyllo cups
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 4 oz jar pimentos drained, with 1 tablespoon juice reserved
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Evenly space the phyllo shells on the baking sheet, ensuring at least an inch or two between each.
- In a mixing bowl, blend the mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and Old Bay seasoning until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Incorporate the drained pimentos along with the reserved tablespoon of their juice, the grated onion, and the sharp cheddar cheese. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper according to taste preferences.
- Fill each phyllo cup with the prepared cheese mixture using a small cookie scoop or spoon.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the cheese has completely melted.
- Serve immediately while warm.
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