Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls

While I didn't grow up in the South, I have always enjoyed pimento cheese. Sausage balls are a regular appetizer in our home and when mixed with pimento cheese, they are so tender and creamy- and slightly tangy! These Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls have become my go-to recipe for every gathering. Now I can't imagine making sausage balls any other way, and I hope this recipe becomes as cherished in your kitchen as it has been in ours.

Recipe Ingredients Notes

• Ground pork sausage - I prefer Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage or Italian sausage
• Pimento cheese - this is a mixture of cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise for a rich cheesy taste and tender, moist sausage balls. I like the Palmetto brand, but any mixture of pimento spread will work in this recipe.
• Bisquick - this flour baking mix is the binder that holds the meatballs together.
  Out of Bisquick in the pantry? No problem! Use this home made recipe to create your own.
• Sliced green onions (optional)

Ways to Enjoy Every Bite

Serve these warm pimento cheese sausage balls with your favorite dipping sauce, mango chili sauce, BBQ sauce, easy marinara dipping sauce, or honey mustard.

This dish is ideal for serving as a tailgate snack, holiday party appetizer, or an addition to dinner. For a truly indulgent spread, pair them with a creamy corn dip with cream cheese and a platter of loaded tater tots recipe.

How to Make Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls

Why are my Sausage Balls with Pimento Cheese too Dry?

Meatballs and sausage balls can become too dry for a few reasons. Using too much baking mix is one. Stir your flour mixture before measuring it to ensure you get a true measurement. Another reason is overworking the ground meat, baking mix, and cheese. Stir just until combined, then quickly roll (or scoop) the meatballs.

Recipe Tips from Mrs. G

• Use room temperature sausage and cheese for easier mixing. Cold ingredients can make the mixture harder to combine evenly.
• Choose a spicy sausage like hot breakfast or Italian sausage if you want more flavor. If using mild sausage, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a little kick.
• Don't overmix the dough. Once everything is evenly combined, stop mixing to keep the texture tender, not tough.
• Freeze before baking. Make the pimento cheese sausage balls ahead of time and freeze them raw on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, just add 5 more minutes to the cook time.

Storing Leftovers

Let the sausage balls with pimento cheese cool completely. Then, transfer them to an airtight container before placing them in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3 or 4 days in the refrigerator.

These are best frozen before baking, in my opinion. To freeze, form the balls. Place on a baking sheet then flash freeze the meatballs in the freezer for 1-2 hours. Then store them in a freezer-safe container, like a Ziplock bag for up to 3 months.

You can also freeze them after baking. Let cool, then place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls

Renae Gerhardstein

These Southern-inspired pimento cheese sausage balls are tender, creamy, and slightly tangy, the perfect appetizer for any gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Dinner, Holiday, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine American, Southern

Servings 24 sausage balls

Calories 101 kcal

Equipment

• parchment lined baking sheet
• cookie scoop optional

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground pork sausage I prefer Jimmy Dean hot breakfast sausage or hot Italian sausage
• 12 ounces pimento cheese 1 container,I prefer the Palmetto cheese brand
• 2 cups Bisquick baking mix see notes below for how to make baking mix

Optional

• ½ cup green onion green part, chopped

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375º Fahrenheit. Prepare the baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
• Add the ground sausage, pimento cheese mixture, baking mix, and green onion (if using) to a large mixing bowl. Use clean hands, a potato masher, or stand mixer to mix the sausage ball mixture together. If using your hands, it is best to knead or fold the Bisquick and cheese into the ground sausage.
• Use a medium scoop or large tablespoon to make 24 pimento sausage balls, about the size of a golf ball. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake at 375º Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, until the meatballs are lightly golden brown in color. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the center of the sausage balls registers 145º Fahrenheit in temperature.
• Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara sauce or a zesty BBQ sauce.

Notes

• If using a lower fat sausage, like chicken or turkey, add 2 tablespoons of milk or butter to keep the meatballs moist.
• Make your own baking mix with flour, baking powder, shortening, and salt. 

Recipe Variations:

• Turkey sausage balls with pimento cheese: Substitute ground pork sausage with leaner ground turkey or chicken for turkey pimento cheese appetizers. Add two tablespoons of melted butter or whole milk to keep the meatball mixture nice and moist.
• Gluten-free Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls: This recipe is easy to make as gluten-free pimento cheese sausage balls! Simply use Gluten-Free Bisquick or your preferred GF-friendly baking mix.
• Make this delicious snack even more exciting by using other types of Palmetto pimento cheese or your homemade pimento cheese. In addition to their classic flavor, they also offer a spicier cheese spread. It's made with jalapeños and extra savory pimento cheese with bacon.
• Add a spicy kick with red pepper flakes or paprika. Or use sharp cheddar cheese instead.

Storing Instructions:

• Homemade sausage balls will keep well for up to 3 or 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Let the balls cool to room temperature before transferring them to a sealed container and placing it in the fridge.
• Form the sausage balls, Flash freeze meatballs before baking. Then store them in a freezer-safe container, like a Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature for an hour before baking.

Keyword pimento cheese, sausage balls