Pimiento Cheese Cups
A southern classic reimagined into elegant, individual servings, these Pimiento Cheese Cups combine creamy, tangy pimiento cheese with a crisp phyllo cup for an irresistible contrast of textures. Perfect for Christmas celebrations, holiday parties, or any gathering where you want to impress without the stress.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Box Grater
- Mixing Bowls
- Rubber Spatula
- Piping Bag or Small Spoon
Ingredients
For the Pimiento Cheese Filling
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
- 4 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise Duke's preferred for authentic southern flavor
- 1 jar (4 oz) diced pimientos drained well
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika regular paprika works too
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper optional, for heat lovers
- salt and black pepper to taste
For Assembly
- 24 mini phyllo shells found in the freezer section
- fresh chives or green onions finely chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the phyllo cups from packaging and place them on a baking sheet.
- Grate your cheddar cheese using the medium holes on a box grater.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth and well integrated.
- Fold in the drained pimientos, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently fold in the grated cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
- Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each phyllo cup with the pimiento cheese mixture, creating a slight mound on top.
- Bake the filled cups for 8-10 minutes, just until the cheese is slightly bubbly and the phyllo cups are golden brown.
- Allow the cups to cool for 2-3 minutes, then garnish with finely chopped chives or green onions.
Notes
- The cheese filling can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- For best results, bring refrigerated filling to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before filling cups.
- Drain the pimientos thoroughly to prevent soggy cups.
- For a lighter version, use Neufchâtel cheese instead of cream cheese.
- Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise for a tangier, protein-rich option.
- For best results, bring refrigerated filling to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before filling cups.
- Drain the pimientos thoroughly to prevent soggy cups.
- For a lighter version, use Neufchâtel cheese instead of cream cheese.
- Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise for a tangier, protein-rich option.
Nutrition
Calories: 145kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5.5gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 210mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 0.5g
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