Bring a little Southern charm to your holiday table with these festive Christmas Pimento Cheese Bites! Crispy phyllo cups are filled with creamy pimento cheese, topped with sweet and spicy red pepper jelly, and finished with a delightful crunch of pecans. They’re warm, gooey, and bursting with flavor perfect for parties, potlucks, or a cozy night in by the tree.
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
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when your bites go in. - Fill the Phyllo Cups
Arrange the phyllo cups on a baking sheet. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of pimento cheese into each little cup, filling it just to the top. - Top with Red Pepper Jelly
Add a small spoonful of red pepper jelly over the cheese for that perfect sweet-and-savory contrast. - Optional Pecan Topping
For an added layer of crunch and nutty flavor, top each filled cup with a pecan piece. - Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the phyllo shells turn golden brown and the filling is warm and melty. - Cool & Serve
Allow the bites to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor and texture!
Variation
- Add a Spicy Kick: Mix a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce into your pimento cheese for a bolder flavor.
- Try Different Jellies: Swap red pepper jelly for cranberry sauce or jalapeño jelly for a fun seasonal twist.
- Make It Meatier: Add a small crumble of crispy bacon on top of each cup for a smoky, savory note.
- Cheese Blend: If you make your own pimento cheese, try blending sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
Cooking Notes
- Phyllo Cups Tip: Use pre-baked phyllo cups from the freezer section for convenience they crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Watch the Oven: Phyllo browns quickly, so keep an eye on your bites during the last few minutes of baking.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can fill the cups ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; bake just before serving for fresh, crispy results.
Serving Suggestions
- Festive Appetizer Board: Arrange these bites on a holiday platter with fresh herbs, grapes, and nuts for a colorful presentation.
- Holiday Brunch Addition: These bites are a wonderful warm starter for Christmas morning or brunch with friends.
Tips
- Room Temperature Cheese: Let your pimento cheese sit out for a few minutes before filling the cups it’ll be easier to spoon and spread.
- Even Filling: Use a small cookie scoop for consistent portions and perfectly even baking.
- Easy Cleanup: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze especially handy during busy holiday prep!
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per 2 Bites)
- Calories: ~120
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 160mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results. - Can I use homemade pimento cheese?
Absolutely! Homemade pimento cheese adds a personal touch and can be adjusted to your spice and texture preferences. - What can I substitute for phyllo cups?
Mini tart shells or toasted baguette slices also work well if phyllo cups aren’t available. - Do these taste good cold?
They’re best served warm, but they’re still tasty at room temperature perfect for parties and buffets.
Conclusion
These Christmas Pimento Cheese Bites are a true crowd-pleaser crispy, creamy, sweet, and just a little bit spicy. Whether you’re hosting a festive get-together or looking for an easy, elegant appetizer, these bites deliver big holiday flavor in every little cup.
Print
Christmas Pimento Cheese Bites
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 30 bites (serves 10–12 as an appetizer) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bring a little Southern charm to your holiday table with these festive Christmas Pimento Cheese Bites! Crispy phyllo cups are filled with creamy pimento cheese, topped with sweet and spicy red pepper jelly, and finished with a delightful crunch of pecans. They’re warm, gooey, and bursting with flavor perfect for parties, potlucks, or a cozy night in by the tree.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 (15-count) phyllo cups
- 1 cup pimento cheese (homemade or store-bought)
- ⅓ cup red pepper jelly
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when your bites go in. - Fill the Phyllo Cups
Arrange the phyllo cups on a baking sheet. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of pimento cheese into each little cup, filling it just to the top. - Top with Red Pepper Jelly
Add a small spoonful of red pepper jelly over the cheese for that perfect sweet-and-savory contrast. - Optional Pecan Topping
For an added layer of crunch and nutty flavor, top each filled cup with a pecan piece. - Bake
Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the phyllo shells turn golden brown and the filling is warm and melty. - Cool & Serve
Allow the bites to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor and texture!
Notes
- Phyllo Cups Tip: Use pre-baked phyllo cups from the freezer section for convenience they crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Watch the Oven: Phyllo browns quickly, so keep an eye on your bites during the last few minutes of baking.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can fill the cups ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; bake just before serving for fresh, crispy results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southern / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Christmas appetizer, pimento cheese, party bites, phyllo cups, holiday recipes