Description
These Irresistible Pimento Cheese Bites are a classic Southern snack, perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Featuring a creamy blend of mayonnaise, cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and zesty seasonings, all nestled in crispy phyllo cups, they offer a delightful combination of rich flavors and crunchy textures. Easy to prepare and bake, they make a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Try flavored mayo for an extra kick.)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (Substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (Replace with fresh garlic for a more robust flavor.)
- 1 tsp Paprika (Opt for smoked paprika for deeper flavor notes.)
- 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning (Omit if unavailable or switch with Cajun seasoning.)
- 1/2 cup Jarred Pimentos, drained (Finely diced roasted red peppers make a great substitute.)
- 1/4 cup Yellow Onion, grated (Green onions can be swapped for a fresh taste.)
- 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated (Smoked gouda or pepper jack can create unique twists.)
- To taste Kosher Salt (Essential for seasoning.)
- To taste Freshly Ground Black Pepper (Essential for seasoning.)
Assembly
- 12 Phyllo Cups (Opt for homemade or store-bought for convenience.)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pimento cheese bites.
- Prepare phyllo cups: Arrange the phyllo cups on a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone mat, making sure they are spaced apart for even baking.
- Mix the filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine mayonnaise, cream cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and Old Bay seasoning. Stir or beat until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Fold in additional ingredients: Gently mix in the drained pimentos, reserved pimento juice, grated yellow onion, and sharp cheddar cheese. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
- Fill the cups: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, evenly distribute the cheese mixture into each phyllo cup to fill them generously but neatly.
- Bake: Place the filled phyllo cups in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the tops are golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bites to cool slightly for several minutes. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- For a twist, try substituting sharp cheddar with smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, swap Old Bay seasoning with Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Flavored mayonnaise (like chipotle or garlic mayo) can add an extra layer of complexity to the filling.
- Phyllo cups can be bought pre-made or made at home by shaping and baking phyllo dough in mini muffin tins.
- Make sure to drain the jarred pimentos well to prevent sogginess in the filling.
- These bites are best served fresh and warm; however, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated gently.
