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Irresistible Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites: The Ultimate Game Day Appetizer

Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with these sensational Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites! Though they may be mini in size, they deliver a massive punch of flavor that’s simply unforgettable. Imagine delicate, flaky phyllo tart shells brimming with classic Southern pimento cheese, generously crowned with savory, crispy bacon bits. These delightful morsels are not just an appetizer; they’re an experience, making them absolutely perfect for all your fall game day festivities, holiday gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a truly spectacular bite-sized treat.

The start of fall always brings with it an exciting buzz, especially for those of us who live for college football season. There’s nothing quite like gathering with friends and family, cheering on your favorite teams, and indulging in an array of delicious game day snacks. While the main event might be on the field, for many, the food spread is a highly anticipated highlight. After a wonderful Labor Day weekend filled with cooking my boys’ favorite comfort foods like meatballs, lasagna bolognese, and homemade pizza, I knew it was time to introduce a new champion to our game day lineup.

Super Easy Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites: A Game Changer for Any Gathering

These Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites made their debut a few weeks ago, and it was love at first bite. I immediately knew they had to be part of our first college game day party, and they certainly did not disappoint! In fact, the only mistake I made was not doubling the recipe, because these went incredibly fast. They’re not just “easy”; they’re super easy, making them an ideal choice when you want maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

The Allure of Homemade Pimento Cheese

While store-bought pimento cheese is readily available at most local markets, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making it from scratch. It’s truly incredibly simple, requiring just a few staple ingredients and mere minutes to prepare. The difference in freshness and flavor is remarkable, and having a batch of homemade pimento cheese on hand is a fantastic idea for unexpected guests or impromptu snacking sessions. This classic Southern spread, often dubbed “the pâté of the South,” is a delightful blend of grated cheese, pimentos, and mayonnaise, offering a creamy, tangy, and subtly spicy profile that’s utterly addictive. It’s wonderfully versatile, perfect served with crackers, mini pretzels, pita chips, or crisp fresh-cut veggies.

Why Phyllo Shells are the Perfect Vessel

The choice of phyllo shells for these bites is deliberate. These delicate, paper-thin pastry cups bake up incredibly flaky and crisp, providing a delightful textural contrast to the creamy pimento cheese filling. Unlike heavier pastry options, phyllo shells are light and airy, allowing the rich flavors of the pimento cheese and bacon to truly shine. They’re also incredibly convenient, coming pre-formed and ready to fill, saving you precious time in the kitchen – a huge plus when you’re preparing for a busy game day or party. Two boxes of Athens Phyllo Shells typically yield 30 perfect little bites, making them an ideal choice for feeding a crowd.

The Magic of Crispy Bacon

What’s better than pimento cheese? Pimento cheese with bacon, of course! The salty, smoky crunch of crispy bacon bits adds another layer of flavor and texture that truly elevates these bites. For the best results, cook your bacon until it’s perfectly crisp, then finely chop it. While frying your own bacon offers superior flavor and texture, don’t hesitate to use high-quality store-bought fresh bacon bits for convenience, especially when time is of the essence. Brands like Hormel offer a good alternative if you’re in a pinch, found in the salad dressing aisle of most grocery stores.

Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites

Author:
MaryAnn Dwyer

Yields:

30
bites

These Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites may be mini, but they’re huge on flavor! Flaky phyllo tart shells filled with classic Southern pimento cheese and topped with crispy bacon are just perfect for all your fall game day festivities!

Prep Time

15
mins

Cook Time

10
mins

Total Time

25
mins

Ingredients

1
cup
sharp white cheddar cheese,
finely grated
1
cup
sharp yellow cheddar cheese,
finely grated
1/3
cup
diced pimentos,
drained
1/4
cup
mayonnaise
1/2
tsp.
celery salt
1/4
tsp.
cayenne pepper
2
1.9-oz. packages (30 shells total)
Phyllo shells,
I use Athens brand
1/2
cup
crisp bacon,
finely chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine both sharp cheddar cheeses, drained pimentos, mayonnaise, celery salt, and cayenne pepper until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
Arrange the phyllo shells on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about one heaping teaspoon of the pimento cheese mixture into each phyllo shell. If you have any remaining pimento cheese, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later use. Sprinkle each filled phyllo bite with some of the finely chopped crispy bacon. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese filling is melted, bubbly, and the phyllo shells are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Notes

This recipe uses two packages of Athens Phyllo Shells and makes approximately 30 delicious bites.

A heaping teaspoonful of pimento cheese per shell is usually the perfect amount. Any extra pimento cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoyed as a dip or spread.

For the best flavor and texture, I recommend frying your own bacon until crisp and then finely chopping it. However, for a quicker option, store-bought fresh bacon bits (often found in the salad dressing aisle) work wonderfully. Brands like Hormel offer good quality options for when you’re short on time.

Nutrition

Keyword:
Bacon, phyllo shells, pimento cheese, game day, appetizer

Cuisine:
Southern

Course:
Appetizer, Snack

Expert Tips for Flawless Bites

Grating Cheese Matters: For the creamiest pimento cheese, grate your own cheddar cheese from blocks rather than using pre-shredded varieties. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
Don’t Overfill: A heaping teaspoon of pimento cheese per phyllo shell is ideal. Overfilling can cause the cheese to bubble out too much and make the bites messy.
Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the pimento cheese mixture a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Fill the phyllo shells just before baking for the freshest, crispiest result.
Serving Temperature: These bites are best served warm, straight from the oven, when the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly and the phyllo is crisp.
Leftover Pimento Cheese: Don’t let any leftover pimento cheese go to waste! It’s fantastic for making a classic pimento cheese sandwich, a grilled cheese with bacon and fresh tomato, or simply served with crackers for a quick snack.

Creative Variations to Try

Amp up the Heat: For those who love a kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the pimento cheese mixture. A tiny slice of fresh jalapeño on top of each bite before baking also adds a vibrant heat and fresh flavor.
Cheese Blend Adventures: Experiment with different types of cheddar cheese. A mix of sharp and extra-sharp, or even a smoked cheddar, can add wonderful depth. For extra creaminess, a small amount of cream cheese can be folded into the pimento cheese mixture.
Herbaceous Touches: Finely chopped fresh chives or parsley can be added to the pimento cheese for an extra layer of freshness and color. Sprinkle a few over the top of the baked bites as a garnish.
Sweet & Spicy: Consider drizzling a tiny bit of hot honey over the finished bites for a delightful sweet and spicy contrast that will surprise and please your guests.

These Bacon Pimento Cheese Bites are more than just a recipe; they’re a ticket to becoming the host with the most. Their combination of creamy, savory, and crispy textures, along with the irresistible flavor of Southern pimento cheese and bacon, makes them an instant hit. Whether it’s a raucous game day, a sophisticated cocktail party, or a cozy family gathering, these bites are guaranteed to disappear in a flash.

I hope you give these zesty, flavor-packed bites a try this football season or at your next festive occasion! They are incredibly satisfying and simple to make. Enjoy!

More Delicious Game Day Recipes to Enjoy

Looking for more crowd-pleasing appetizers to complete your game day spread? Check out these other fantastic recipes:

Pimento Cheese Stuffed Potato Skins with Bacon and Jalapeños
Baked Spicy Dry Rub Wings with White BBQ Sauce
Game Day Eats: A Collection of Favorites

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