Pimento Cheese Bites – Easy

Make these delicious pimento cheese bites with our easy homemade recipe from www.podiumrecipes.com. Perfect southern appetizers and party food that’s quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Introduction

Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate southern appetizers that will have your guests asking for the recipe. These pimento cheese bites are the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and utterly addictive flavors that define true Southern comfort food. Whether you’re planning the perfect party food spread, looking for winning tailgate recipes, or need easy appetizers that never fail to impress, these mini cheese bites deliver every time. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – using just a handful of quality ingredients, you can create cheese snacks that taste like they came from the finest Southern kitchen. These bite-sized gems combine the classic pimento cheese flavor with a perfectly crispy exterior, making them ideal for any gathering where you want to serve something special yet manageable.

Ingredients

• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise, preferably Duke’s brand
• 4 oz diced pimentos, drained well
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying (about 4 cups)
• Fresh chives for garnish, finely chopped

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving (Makes 24 bites, 3 bites per serving):

• Calories: 285
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Calcium: 195mg

These cheese snacks provide good protein content while keeping carbs moderate, making them a satisfying appetizer option that won’t leave your guests overly full before the main course.

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pimento Cheese Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and mayonnaise, beating until smooth and creamy. Add the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, mixing thoroughly to combine. Fold in the well-drained pimentos, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the pimento cheese mixture.

Step 2: Chill and Shape the Mixture

Cover the pimento cheese mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This chilling step is crucial for making the mixture firm enough to shape. Once chilled, use your hands or a small ice cream scoop to form the mixture into 24 uniform balls, each about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the shaped pimento cheese bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Set Up Breading Station

Prepare three shallow dishes for breading. Place flour in the first dish, beaten eggs in the second, and panko breadcrumbs in the third. This assembly line approach makes coating the mini cheese bites efficient and mess-free.

Step 4: Bread the Pimento Cheese Bites

Working with one pimento cheese bite at a time, roll each ball first in flour, coating completely. Next, dip into beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, roll in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well. Place breaded pimento cheese bites back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Chill Again Before Frying

Refrigerate the breaded pimento cheese bites for another 30 minutes. This second chilling helps the coating stay intact during frying and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F. Working in small batches, carefully lower pimento cheese bites into the hot oil using a slotted spoon. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately while hot and melty inside.

Serving Suggestions

These pimento cheese bites shine as the star of any party food spread, but they’re versatile enough for various occasions. Serve them as southern appetizers at your next dinner party alongside other regional favorites like deviled eggs and fried green tomatoes. For tailgate recipes, pack them in insulated containers to keep warm, and serve with small cups of ranch or comeback sauce for dipping. This recipe works beautifully as part of a larger appetizer spread for holidays, game day gatherings, or casual get-togethers. Consider serving them on small appetizer plates with toothpicks for easy eating, or arrange them on a platter with fresh herbs for an elegant presentation.

Pro Tips

Master these pimento cheese bites with these essential tips that ensure perfect results every time. First, use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded for the best texture and flavor in your cheese snacks. When making the pimento cheese mixture, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. This tip is crucial for smooth, creamy easy appetizers. Don’t skip the chilling steps – they’re essential for maintaining the shape during frying. For the crispiest coating, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Monitor your oil temperature carefully with a thermometer to prevent burning. If the oil is too hot, the outside will brown before the cheese inside melts properly. These tips will help you create restaurant-quality party food at home.

Variations

Transform these classic pimento cheese bites with exciting variations that cater to different tastes and dietary needs. For a spicier variation, add diced jalapeños or increase the cayenne pepper for heat lovers. Create a bacon variation by mixing in crispy, crumbled bacon for extra richness. For a gluten-free alternative, substitute regular flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions. Try a herb variation by adding fresh chopped herbs like chives, dill, or parsley to the cheese mixture. For those wanting a lighter alternative, these can be baked at 400°F for 12-15 minutes instead of fried, though they won’t be quite as crispy. A smoked variation can be achieved by using smoked cheddar cheese instead of regular sharp cheddar.

FAQ

Q: Can I make these pimento cheese bites ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare these easy appetizers up to the breading stage and freeze them. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q: What’s the best oil temperature for frying these cheese snacks? A: Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for optimal results. Too hot and the outside burns before the cheese melts; too cool and they’ll be greasy.

Q: How do I prevent the pimento cheese bites from falling apart while frying? A: Proper chilling between steps is key. Make sure each pimento cheese bite is well-coated and chilled before frying.

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying? A: Yes, though the texture will be different. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, turning once halfway through for even browning.

Q: What type of cheese works best for this recipe? A: Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but you can mix in some extra sharp cheddar or even a bit of pepper jack for variation.

Q: How long do these southern appetizers stay fresh? A: These mini cheese bites are best served immediately after frying, but can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Conclusion

These pimento cheese bites represent everything wonderful about southern appetizers – they’re comforting, flavorful, and guaranteed to disappear quickly at any gathering. With their crispy golden exterior and creamy, tangy interior, these cheese snacks prove that the best party food doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re planning tailgate recipes for game day or elegant easy appetizers for a dinner party, this recipe delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results.

The beauty of these mini cheese bites lies in their versatility and make-ahead potential, making them perfect for busy hosts who want to serve something special without last-minute stress. The combination of sharp cheddar, creamy pimentos, and aromatic spices creates a flavor profile that’s distinctly Southern yet appealing to everyone.

Ready to become the hero of your next gathering? Try these incredible pimento cheese bites and watch them disappear before your eyes. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your golden, crispy creations and share your results with us. For more amazing recipes like these southern appetizers, visit www.podiumrecipes.com where you’ll discover hundreds of easy, homemade recipes perfect for every occasion. Which variation are you most excited to try? Leave a comment below and let us know how these pimento cheese bites worked for your party food spread!