Savory Pimento Cheese and Bacon Phyllo Bites
Elevate your appetizer game with these Savory Pimento Cheese and Bacon Phyllo Bites! Crisp and flaky phyllo dough cups are filled with a creamy, zesty blend of palmetto cheese, combined with smoky bacon to create an irresistible bite-sized treat. Perfect for parties, game day, or any gathering, these mini phyllo cups are easy to make and sure to impress your guests with their rich flavor and delightful crunch.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen phyllo dough
8 sheets (Thawed)
Palmetto cheese (original or jalapeno)
6 ounces (Softened)
Bacon, chopped
2 slices (Cooked and chopped)
Butter, melted
1/2 cup (Melted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Carefully unwrap the frozen phyllo dough and lay it on a clean work surface. Keep the sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
3
Brush one sheet of phyllo dough lightly with melted butter. Layer another sheet on top and brush again with butter. Repeat this process until you have stacked four sheets together.
4
Once your phyllo sheets are stacked, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut them into small squares suitable for fitting into the cups of a mini muffin pan.
5
Gently press each square into the cups of the mini muffin pan, allowing the phyllo to form a small cup shape.
6
In a mixing bowl, combine the palmetto cheese of your choice (original or jalapeno) with chopped bacon for added flavor.
7
Scoop about a teaspoon of the pimento cheese mixture into each prepared phyllo cup, filling them generously.
8
Sprinkle any remaining chopped bacon on top of the cheese-filled cups for extra flavor and crunch.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the edges of the phyllo are golden brown.
10
Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, and serve immediately while still warm for the best taste!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Pimento Cheese and Bacon Phyllo Bites?
They are bite-sized appetizers featuring crisp, flaky phyllo dough cups filled with a creamy, zesty blend of palmetto cheese and smoky bacon.
What ingredients are required for this recipe?
You will need frozen phyllo dough, palmetto cheese (original or jalapeno), cooked and chopped bacon, and melted butter.
How many sheets of phyllo dough should I use?
The recipe calls for 8 sheets of thawed phyllo dough.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How do I keep the phyllo dough from drying out?
Keep the unwrapped sheets covered with a damp cloth while you work.
How many layers of phyllo dough are used for the cups?
You should stack four sheets together, brushing each layer with melted butter.
What tool is best for cutting the phyllo sheets?
A sharp knife or a pizza cutter works best for cutting the stacked sheets into small squares.
What type of pan should be used to bake these bites?
A mini muffin pan is ideal for forming and baking the phyllo cups.
Which type of palmetto cheese is best for this recipe?
You can use either the original or the jalapeno version depending on your spice preference.
How much filling goes into each phyllo cup?
Scoop approximately one teaspoon of the pimento cheese and bacon mixture into each prepared cup.
How long do the bites need to bake?
Bake them for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the phyllo edges are golden brown.
Can I add extra bacon?
Yes, you can sprinkle any remaining chopped bacon on top of the cheese-filled cups before baking for extra flavor.
Should these be served hot or cold?
For the best taste and texture, serve these bites immediately while they are still warm.
Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, these are perfect for parties, game days, and other social gatherings as a finger food.
Can I use pre-made phyllo shells?
While the recipe explains how to make them from sheets, you could use pre-made frozen phyllo shells to save time.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of melted butter for brushing the dough sheets.
Does the bacon need to be cooked beforehand?
Yes, the bacon should be cooked and chopped before being mixed with the cheese.
Can I make these bites spicy?
Yes, using the jalapeno version of the palmetto cheese will add a spicy kick.
What is the texture of these appetizers?
The bites have a delightful crunch from the flaky phyllo and a creamy, rich center.
How many servings does this recipe make?
While the specific count depends on the size of your squares, using 8 sheets stacked in fours typically yields several dozen mini bites.
Can I make the cheese mixture in advance?
Yes, you can mix the pimento cheese and bacon ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
What if my phyllo dough tears?
Phyllo is fragile; if it tears, simply layer it as instructed and the butter will help bind the sheets together.
Can I substitute the butter?
Butter provides the best flavor and crispness, but you could use a neutral-flavored oil or a butter substitute if necessary.
Are these bites vegetarian?
No, this version includes bacon, but you can omit the bacon to make them vegetarian.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat them in an oven or toaster oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes to maintain the crispness of the phyllo.
Is palmetto cheese necessary?
The recipe specifies palmetto cheese for its flavor profile, but any high-quality pimento cheese will work.
Can I store these in the freezer?
It is best to freeze them before baking; once baked, the phyllo may become soggy upon thawing.
How long should they cool before serving?
Allow them to cool for just a minute or two so they are easy to handle but still warm.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is considered an easy recipe that results in an impressive-looking appetizer.
Can I use different cheeses?
While pimento cheese is the star, you can experiment with other meltable cheeses combined with cream cheese for a similar effect.