5 Star Comment
These were such a hit, even for my husband who claims to hate pimento cheese! My brother thought they tasted like Chinese crab Rangoon. Either way, they were delicious and gobbled up by everyone, and super easy!!!
Amanda
The One Bite Everyone Crowds Around
I’ve made a lot of party appetizers over the years, but these pimento cheese bites are one I’ll never stop making—because they always get people hovering around the buffet table. We had a party this past weekend, and these were the first things gone. I’m talking “gone before I even sat down” gone.
They’re simple in the best way: crispy phyllo cups filled with creamy pimento cheese, topped with a little red pepper jelly. After a quick bake, everything turns warm and melty, with that sweet-and-savory bite that feels so Southern. They’re quick, easy to scale up, and they look so pretty on a platter… which is basically my favorite kind of appetizer.
Donya’s Tips and What to Know Before You Start
- If you don’t use my homemade pimento cheese, make sure to buy a thicker spread that stays put in the phyllo cups.
- Don’t overfill the cups. Fill them just to the top so they don’t bubble over in the oven.
- A little pepper jelly goes a long way. Add a small dollop—too much can melt and will slide off during baking.
- Bake on a sheet pan. It keeps the cups steady and makes them easy to transfer straight to a serving platter.
- Serve them warm for the best texture. Phyllo cups are quite delicate and soften the longer they sit, so these are at their best right after baking.
- Make-ahead strategy: set everything out and assemble right before baking (it only takes a few minutes).
Try an Easy Stuffed Mushroom Appetizer, Southern Cavier, or Outrageously Good Stuffed Celery when you’re entertaining or need a quick and easy appetizer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pimento cheese is the real star of the show here! You can use store-bought or my homemade pimento cheese.
- Red pepper jelly is sweet and a little spicy, and it would be the best addition to these appetizer bites.
- Phyllo cups save time and energy because the dough is already prepared and shaped!
- You can also add a few pecans to the top of each bite for extra crunch.
Recipe Variations
- Use Bacon: Instead of pecans, you can use bacon bits on top of these pimento cheese bites.
- More Heat: For more heat, fold some red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the cheese.
How To Make Pimento Cheese Phyllo Cups
- Heat the oven to 350°F, then place the phyllo cups on a baking sheet and spoon pimento cheese into each one.
- Add a small dollop of red pepper jelly on top (a little goes a long way).
- Bake until the cheese is melty and the edges are lightly browned.
- Let them rest a few minutes, then serve warm.
Can These Be Made In Advance?
Unfortunately no. The crust gets soggy, so they are best eaten immediately or within a few hours. They only take a few minutes to put together, though, and I promise it’s worth it!
Craving More? Try These Easy Appetizers
Ingredients
- 2 15 count Phyllo cups
- 1 cup pimento cheese – homemade or store bought
- ⅓ cup red pepper jelly
- ¼ cup chopped pecans – optional
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 degrees.
- Place Phyllo cups on a baking sheet. Spoon pimento cheese into each cup and top with red pepper jelly. If desired, add a pecan piece to each. Bake in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Sure! Pepper jelly is the classic here, but apricot preserves, Jezebel sauce, or even fig jam are all delicious with pimento cheese—just keep the topping small so it doesn’t slide off.
No, these do not freeze well because the crust will become soggy when thawing and reheating.
If you have leftovers, store them airtight in the fridge and eat within 1–2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back some crispness (the microwave will soften the shells).
Serving Suggestions
I love arriving at a party with a tray full of exciting and tasty appetizers. Alongside these pimento cheese bites, I often have Crock Pot Cocktail Party Meatballs, Salami Cream Cheese Roll Ups, and Creamy Southern Deviled Eggs.
If you tried this Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
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Hi! These sound so good! How long can they sit out before turning soggy?
Hi, Wendy. To be honest, they’ve never lasted long enough for me to find out. I wouold not not leave them out for more than than an hour if needed.
~Donya
Donya, I recently ENJOYED a version of these at a party and want to give them a try for my next game night. A couple of us can NOT eat pecans. What do you think would be a good substitute? The verison I ate was just the pimento cheese and pepper jelly but adding a little “something else” does sound good.
Hey there! You can substitute whatever you feel would be good! Always feel free to make the recipes your own! I hope you enjoy them! ~Donya
Easiest app I have ever made and I have made a bunch especially for holidays. I loved them and everyone who indulged loved them. They also freeze beautifully. The best no fuss, delicious treat I have made in a long time.
Thank you so much, Rita! I’m glad you liked it and thrilled you are cooking with me.
~Donya
Can these be made in an air fryer?
I’ve never tested them in the air fryer. Let me know how they turn out if you try it.
~Donya
These were such a hit, even for my husband who claims to hate pimento cheese! My brother thought they tasted like Chinese crab Rangoon. Either way, they were delicious and gobbled up by everyone, and super easy!!!
So easy to make and very good.
Everyone wanted the recipe.
Thanks so much for the great comment and the terrific rating!
~Donya
What is the green herb sprinkled on top??? Basil?? Parsley??? Is it fresh or dried??
Hey there Maxine!
Thank you so much for your interest in this recipe, that’s a great question! The herb sprinkled on top of these Pimento Cheese Bites is chopped fresh parsley, but you could use basil if you prefer. I hope this helps, let me know how everything turns out if you give the recipe a try, I’d love to hear what you think!
~Donya
can these be made ahead of time and reheated
Hey Cici.
Unfortunately, no. The crust will get soggy. They only take a few minutes to put together and it’s totally worth it.
Enjoy.
~Donya
Can these be made the day before, refrigerted, and bake in oven the next dAY?
Hey Dawn.
This recipe does not really work regarding making it ahead of time. It takes little to no effort to put the bites together and they don’t cook long to you only need a few minutes for the whole recipe.
Hope you’ll give these little bites a try!
Have a great day,
~Donya
can these be frozen ? and reheated later ?
No, unfortunately.
Have a great day.
~Donya
Thank you for the quick reply about the Pimento Cheese Bites!!! Love your recipe site!!!!