Description
These Pimento Cheese Bites are crispy phyllo cups filled with a creamy blend of sharp cheddar cheese, pimentos, and seasonings baked to golden perfection. A quick and easy Southern-inspired party appetizer that’s ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for entertaining or casual snacking.
Ingredients
Phyllo Cups
- 2 packages (15 cups per package) phyllo cups
Pimento Cheese 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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the phyllo cups spaced apart to allow even baking.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and Old Bay seasoning. Mix until smooth and well blended to create the base for the filling.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in the drained pimentos along with the reserved pimento juice, grated yellow onion, and sharp cheddar cheese. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste preference.
- Fill Cups: Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, spoon the pimento cheese mixture into each phyllo cup, filling them evenly but not overflowing.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes or until the cheese melts and the filling is bubbly and golden on top.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bites to cool for 2–3 minutes on the baking sheet before serving warm to guests.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother and more consistent filling texture.
- The filling can be prepared up to 1 day ahead and stored in the refrigerator to save prep time on party day.
- You can freeze the unbaked filled phyllo cups for quick baking later; just adjust baking time accordingly.
- Use a microplane grater to finely grate the yellow onion for better texture and even flavor distribution.
- Sharp cheddar cheese delivers the best flavor and melt; avoid pre-shredded cheese for a smoother filling consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
