Crunchy Little Pimento Cheese Bites Recipe: Snack Magic
Sizzling appetizers that pack a punch of southern comfort hit the spot with these delectable pimento cheese bites recipe.
These crispy, golden-brown morsels burst with creamy, tangy flavors that dance across your palate.
cheese lovers rejoice as sharp cheddar blends seamlessly with sweet pimentos, creating an irresistible combination.
Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crunch and smooth, melted goodness.
The recipe brings a classic southern staple into finger-food form, making it ideal for gatherings or quick snacking.
Guests will be reaching for seconds before you can say “pass the plate.” These bite-sized delights promise to be the star of any appetizer spread.
How to Serve Pimento Cheese Bites
Party Platter Paradise: Arrange these crispy bites on a beautiful wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs and colorful vegetable sticks for a stunning presentation that will wow your guests.
Cocktail Hour Companion: Pair these savory nibbles with chilled white wine, craft beer, or a zesty summer cocktail to elevate your entertaining experience and create delightful flavor combinations.
Dipping Delights: Serve alongside homemade ranch, spicy aioli, or tangy mustard sauce to give guests extra flavor options and make these cheese bites even more irresistible.
Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Break these into smaller pieces and offer them as a crunchy snack during sports viewing parties, where they'll disappear faster than touchdowns can be scored.
Storage & Prep Tips for Pimento Cheese Bites
Refrigeration Strategy: Store these delightful bites in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain crispness for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Technique: Wrap individual or grouped cheese bites tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These tasty morsels can remain frozen for 2-3 months without losing their delectable flavor profile.
Room Temperature Tip: Keep the bites at cool room temperature for short gatherings, ensuring they stay fresh for about 4 hours during parties or social events. Place them on a decorative platter away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Reviving Crispness: When ready to serve chilled or frozen bites, reheat briefly in a 350°F oven for 3-4 minutes. This quick warming restores their original crunch and brings out the rich cheese and pimento flavors, making them taste freshly baked.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes
Calories: 133 kcal
Servings: 17
What Goes Into Pimento Cheese Bites
For Dry Ingredients:
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture to the crispy bites, ensuring a light and delicate crunch.
Ground Mustard: Adds a subtle, tangy warmth that complements the cheese and creates depth of flavor.
Chili Flakes: Introduces a gentle heat and exciting spice kick to elevate the overall taste profile.
For Cheese and Moisture Components:
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Delivers bold, rich flavor and creates a creamy, melty base for the bites.
Pimentos: Brings vibrant color, sweet pepper essence, and a soft, tender texture to the recipe.
Olive Oil: Helps bind ingredients, adds richness, and contributes to the golden, crisp exterior.
Salt: Enhances and balances the other flavors, making each bite more complex and satisfying.
For Baking Preparation:
Parchment Paper: Ensures easy release and prevents sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Tools Needed for Pimento Cheese Bites
Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized bowls for combining dry ingredients and mixing cheese mixture.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurately measuring flour, salt, and spices.
Cookie Cutter: Used to cut dough into neat, uniform shapes.
Baking Sheets: Flat metal sheets for baking the cheese bites evenly.
Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Wire Rack: Helps cool bites while maintaining their crispy texture.
Rolling Pin: Needed to roll out dough to an even ¼-inch thickness.
Paper Towels: Useful for drying chopped pimentos.
Knife: For finely chopping pimentos.
Making Pimento Cheese Bites Step by Step
Cheesy Pimento Pleasure
Oven Preparation Kitchen warmth begins with setting the oven to a cozy 350°F and lining baking sheets with parchment paper for hassle-free cleanup.
Flour Power Create a zesty base by blending flour with ground mustard and a sprinkle of chili flakes, creating a foundation of exciting flavors.
Cheese Fusion Blend sharp cheddar with olive oil and a touch of salt, mixing gently to create a creamy, rich mixture that will make taste buds dance.
Dough Crafting Combine the flour mixture with cheese blend, using hands to create a delightful dough that promises crispy, cheesy bites.
Shaping Magic Roll out the dough to a perfect ¼-inch thickness, using cookie cutters to transform the mixture into adorable bite-sized treats.
Baking Brilliance Slide the shaped bites into the waiting oven, baking for 17 magical minutes until they turn golden and irresistibly crisp.
Cooling Moment Let the bites rest on a wire rack, allowing them to cool and develop a satisfying crunch that will have everyone asking for more.
Tips & Variations for Pimento Cheese Bites
Cheese Companion Tricks: Add crispy bacon bits to the dough for an extra savory punch.
Spice Adventure: Swap chili flakes with smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to create different heat levels and flavor profiles.
Dough Flexibility: Roll the dough thinner for crunchier crackers or thicker for a more substantial bite, depending on personal texture preference.
Serving Swagger: Pair these bites with homemade ranch dip, tangy marinara sauce, or a zesty jalapeño cream cheese spread to elevate the snacking experience.
Storage Wisdom: Store cooled pimento cheese bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, maintaining their crisp texture and rich flavor.
Preheat: Position oven rack at 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper for seamless release.
Prepare Pimentos: Thoroughly drain and finely mince pimentos, ensuring uniform texture and distribution.
Create Flavor Base: Combine flour, ground mustard, and chili flakes in a mixing bowl, then fold in pimentos until evenly coated.
Develop Dough: Integrate shredded sharp cheddar, olive oil, and salt into the flour mixture, kneading gently until ingredients form a cohesive dough.
Shape Bites: Flour a work surface, divide dough into two portions, and roll each to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter, spacing pieces one inch apart on prepared sheets.
Bake: Position trays in preheated oven and bake for 17 minutes, watching for a golden-brown, crisp finish.
Cool and Store: Transfer bites to a wire rack, allowing them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container to preserve their delicate crunch.
Notes
Perfectly Drain Pimentos: Remove excess moisture completely to prevent soggy bites and ensure crisp texture.
Precise Cheese Shredding: Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar for maximum flavor intensity and smoother blending.
Gentle Dough Handling: Avoid overworking the dough to maintain a tender, delicate bite that crumbles delightfully.
Strategic Cooling Process: Let bites cool entirely on wire rack to lock in crispness and prevent moisture buildup.
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles
Oregon Culinary Institute
Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.
Jessica Martin
Recipe Developer & Food Writer
Expertise
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Oregon Culinary Institute
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.