I’m totally obsessed with these pimento cheese sausage balls! The recipe combines two of my favorite Southern staples into one irresistible appetizer.
I mean, what’s not to love? Savory sausage, tangy pimento cheese, and fluffy Bisquick all rolled into bite-sized balls. They’re cheesy, a little spicy, and so delicious.
Whether you need a quick game day snack, a party appetizer, or just want to treat yourself, these pimento cheese sausage balls are the answer.
Once you pop, you can’t stop!
Why You’ll Love These Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls
Let me count the reasons to love these tasty bites!
- True Crowd-Pleasers: They’re always a hit at parties, potlucks, and tailgates. Their savory, cheesy flavor appeals to a wide range of tastes.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble the sausage balls in advance and refrigerate or freeze them until ready to bake.
- Customizable Kick: Adjust the spice level to your liking. Use hot sausage, jalapeño pimento cheese, or add a dash of red pepper.
- Leftover Winner: They reheat beautifully, making them a great option for quick snacks or meals throughout the week.
Ingredients
You only need five ingredients to whip up this recipe:
- Ground Pork Sausage: The flavorful foundation binds the balls together with its natural fat.
- Pimento Cheese: It’s a creamy, cheesy, tangy addition.
- All-Purpose Baking Mix: It helps the sausage balls puff up light and tender. I like to use Bisquick.
- Fresh Chives: They add a fresh pop of color to the rich sausage and cheese.
- Dash of Paprika and Red Pepper (Optional): They add a subtle smoky and spicy kick.
How to Make Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls
Here are the easy steps for making sausage balls:
- Prep. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork sausage, prepared pimento cheese, baking mix, and chopped fresh chives. Mix well with your hands until fully combined.
- Shape. Shape the mixture into about 50 (1-inch) balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake. Bake for 14-17 minutes, until the sausage balls are lightly golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Cool and serve. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets set on wire racks for about 10 minutes. Serve the sausage balls warm or at room temperature.
Tips For the Best Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls
Follow these tips for the very best sausage balls:
- Quality is key. Use high-quality pimento cheese like Palmetto brand for the best flavor and texture.
- Let the sausage rest. Bring the sausage close to room temperature for more even mixing.
- Work some mixing magic. Thoroughly combine the sausage, pimento cheese, and baking mix. Use a stand mixer with a dough hook or paddle attachment for easier mixing.
- Try a scooping trick. Use a small cookie scoop to portion the mixture, then roll into 1-inch balls for even sizing.
- Choose your consistency. If the mixture is too wet, add more baking mix. If it’s too dry, add 2 oz cream cheese or 1/4 cup milk.
How to Store
These balls are so easy to make ahead for a party. And if you have leftovers, you can store them to enjoy later!
To Make Ahead: Assemble and roll the balls, then refrigerate for up to 1 day or freeze for up to 3 months before baking.
To Store: Keep them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Store in a single layer with wax paper to prevent sticking.
To Freeze: Arrange unbaked sausage balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1 hour. Transfer frozen balls to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
To Reheat: Place them on a baking sheet and reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes, until warmed through. Or, microwave individual portions for 30-45 seconds.
More Bite-Sized Appetizers You’ll Adore
Fried Okra
Coconut Shrimp
Korean Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls
50
servings20
minutes17
minutes59
kcalMake pimento cheese sausage balls for a party and watch them disappear! They’re loaded with savory meat, creamy cheese, and plenty of spice.
Ingredients
1 lb ground pork sausage
12 oz prepared pimento cheese (such as Palmetto Cheese brand)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose baking mix (such as Bisquick)
2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
Dash paprika and red pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the sausage, pimento cheese, baking mix, chives, and spices (if using). Mix well with your hands until fully combined.
- Shape the mixture into about 50 (1-inch) balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 14-17 minutes, until the sausage balls are lightly golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets set on wire racks for about 10 minutes.
- Serve the sausage balls warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Notes
- Use a high-quality, flavorful pimento cheese for the best results. Palmetto Cheese brand works very well.
- Chives add a nice fresh onion flavor, but you could also add diced bell peppers or experiment with other herbs and spices to customize the flavor.
- A dash of paprika and red pepper gives a little extra kick.
- You can make the sausage balls ahead of time. Assemble and roll, then refrigerate for up to 1 day before baking. Or freeze the unbaked balls for up to 3 months and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
