Pimento Cheese Bites

Looking for the perfect bite-sized party snack or game day appetizer? These Pimento Cheese Bites are buttery, flaky, and packed with creamy, tangy pimento cheese flavor in every nibble. Whether you serve them warm from the oven or at room temperature, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast. With a crispy golden crust and cheesy, savory filling, these bites are everything you love about classic pimento cheese—in fun, poppable form.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Southern-Inspired – Classic pimento cheese, reimagined as a warm, handheld snack.
Perfect for Parties – Bite-sized and crowd-pleasing.
Quick to Make – Just mix, fill, and bake.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep in advance and bake when ready.
Flaky & Cheesy – Buttery crust with creamy, cheesy goodness inside.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pimento Cheese Filling:

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup diced pimentos, drained
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)

For the Bites:

• 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust or puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Optional: fresh chives or parsley, for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Fork or hand mixer
• Mini muffin tin
• Rolling pin
• 2-inch round cutter or small glass
• Pastry brush

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pimento Cheese
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cheddar, cream cheese, and mayonnaise.
Stir in diced pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using).
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Set aside or refrigerate if making ahead.

Step 2: Prep the Dough
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll out your pie crust or puff pastry on a floured surface.
Use a round cutter to cut out 24 circles.
Gently press each round into the wells of a mini muffin tin.

Step 3: Fill & Bake
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the pimento cheese mixture into each dough-lined cup.
Brush the exposed edges of the dough with egg wash for golden color.
Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Cool slightly before removing from the tin.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley if desired.
Serve warm or at room temperature on a platter.

Tips for Perfect Pimento Cheese Bites
Use Sharp Cheddar – It gives the bites bold, classic flavor.
Drain Pimentos Well – This prevents the filling from getting too watery.
Don’t Overfill – A heaping tablespoon is just right to avoid spillover.
Chill Filling – Cold filling is easier to scoop and won’t melt too quickly in the oven.
Use Puff Pastry for Fluff – If you want a lighter, flakier texture.

Serving Suggestions
As an Appetizer – Pair with sweet tea, lemonade, or mocktails.
For Game Day – Serve alongside sliders, wings, or veggie platters.
Brunch Boards – Add these bites to a brunch spread with fruit, muffins, and deviled eggs.
Holiday Parties – Make them mini starters for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Oven – Warm at 325°F (160°C) for 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Air Fryer – Reheat at 350°F for 3–5 minutes.
Microwave – Use short bursts (about 20 seconds) but note the crust may soften.

Freezing:
Assemble and freeze unbaked bites on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
Bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the cook time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought pimento cheese?
Yes! Just make sure it’s a thick, spreadable version so it bakes well and doesn’t leak.

2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free pie crust or dough and check your other ingredients for gluten content.

3. Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Definitely! Try cooked, crumbled turkey bacon, jalapeños, or chopped green onions for extra flavor.

4. Can I make these in larger muffin tins?
Yes, but increase the dough circles and filling, and adjust the baking time accordingly.

5. What’s the best way to transport these?
Once cooled, place in a shallow container with parchment between layers and reheat just before serving.

Final Thoughts
These Pimento Cheese Bites are everything you love about Southern comfort food, packed into one flaky, cheesy little package. Whether you’re serving them at a party or keeping a stash for snack cravings, they’re a guaranteed hit. Make a batch, take a bite, and fall in love with this savory classic all over again.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Southern-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Bite, Approx.):
Calories: 130 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 7g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 0.5g | Sodium: 180mg

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