Welcome to the South, where we take two beloved classics and merge them into one irresistible bite. These Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls combine the creamy, tangy goodness of pimento cheese with savory sausage for an appetizer that’s pure Southern comfort. Every bite is rich, moist, and bursting with that distinctive pimento flavor that makes mouths water.
Forget everything you thought you knew about standard sausage balls. This version brings a whole new level of flavor with the addition of tangy, creamy pimento cheese that keeps these incredibly tender and adds a sophisticated twist. They’re the kind of appetizer that starts conversations and ends with recipe requests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pimento cheese adds a tangy, creamy kick that cheddar alone simply can’t provide. The combination of sharp cheese, sweet pimentos, and that signature mayo-based creaminess creates layers of flavor in every single bite.
The mayonnaise and cream cheese in the pimento spread keep these balls extra moist and tender. Say goodbye to dry sausage balls forever—this recipe is all about that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
It’s a fun variation that guests usually haven’t tried before. When you bring these to a potluck or party, you’ll be the star of the show with this creative Southern twist.
Ingredients
Pimento Cheese: Use a tub of store-bought (like Palmetto Cheese brand) or your favorite homemade pimento cheese spread. Jalapeño pimento cheese adds a fantastic kick if you like things spicy!
Sausage: Mild country sausage works best here to let the complex pimento cheese flavor shine. You want the cheese to be the star, not compete with hot sausage.
Baking Mix: Bisquick holds everything together and provides that classic, tender sausage ball texture. It’s the backbone that gives these structure.
Garlic Powder: Just a touch enhances all the savory notes and adds depth to the flavor profile without overpowering the pimento cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper—trust us on this one, it makes cleanup so much easier.
- Mix: Combine the sausage and pimento cheese spread in a large bowl. Mix with your hands until completely uniform—you want the pimento cheese evenly distributed throughout.
- Add Mix: Gradually fold in the baking mix and garlic powder. The dough will be sticky, which is totally normal. Keep mixing until everything is incorporated.
- Chill (Optional): If the mixture feels too sticky to handle, pop it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This firms up the fat and makes rolling much easier.
- Shape: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Bake: Slide into the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the sausage is cooked through. They should be sizzling and gorgeous.
- Cool: Let them rest for a few minutes before serving—they’re molten hot straight from the oven!
Tips for Success
Watch the Salt: Both sausage and pimento cheese are already quite salty, so resist the urge to add extra salt. Taste the raw mixture if you’re unsure—it should be perfectly seasoned as is.
Texture Check: Pimento cheese brands vary in texture and moisture content. If your dough feels too wet and won’t hold shape, add a tablespoon or two more baking mix until it’s workable.
Parchment Paper: Pimento cheese can ooze a bit more than regular shredded cheese as it bakes, so definitely line your pan. It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Room Temperature: Let your pimento cheese sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before mixing. It blends much more easily with the sausage when it’s not ice cold.
Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls Variations
Spicy Pimento: Use a pimento cheese spread that includes jalapeños or cayenne pepper for serious heat. The creamy cheese balances the spice beautifully.
Bacon Lover’s: Fold in crispy, crumbled bacon bits for an extra layer of smoky, savory flavor. Because everything’s better with bacon, right?
Biscuit Style: Make them larger (about 2 inches) and slightly flatten them for a sausage-biscuit hybrid that works perfectly for breakfast or brunch.
Herb Garden: Add fresh chopped chives or green onions to the mixture for a pop of color and fresh, oniony flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these hot with pepper jelly for the perfect sweet-heat pairing. The fruity sweetness and subtle spice complement the tangy pimento cheese like a dream—it’s a Southern match made in heaven.
These are fantastic on a biscuit board alongside crackers, fresh fruit, pickles, and other Southern favorites. They add a hot, savory element that balances beautifully with cool, fresh accompaniments.
Serve with dill pickles or pickled okra on the side. The acidic crunch cuts through the rich, creamy sausage balls perfectly and keeps your palate refreshed.
FAQs
Can I use light pimento cheese?
You can, but full-fat pimento cheese binds better and tastes significantly richer. The extra fat helps create that tender, moist texture these are known for.
Is Bisquick the only option?
Not at all! You can use Red Lobster Cheddar Bay biscuit mix for a huge flavor boost—those garlic and herb notes are incredible with the pimento cheese.
Can I make these ahead?
Absolutely! Roll them out and place them on a baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate overnight before baking. You can even freeze them unbaked for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
If you love Southern food, these Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls are an absolute must-try. They’re savory, tangy, and incredibly moist—everything a great appetizer should be. The combination of classic sausage ball comfort with that distinctive pimento cheese flavor creates something truly special.
This is Southern hospitality in appetizer form, bringing together two beloved traditions into one unforgettable bite. Whether you’re hosting a tailgate, holiday gathering, or Sunday brunch, these will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Save this recipe now and don’t forget the pepper jelly—that sweet-spicy combo is what takes these from great to absolutely legendary. Y’all are gonna love these!
Southern Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls (Tangy & Creamy!)
Equipment
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- mixing bowl
- spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb mild country sausage
- 1 cup pimento cheese spread (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups Bisquick baking mix
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine sausage and pimento cheese until well mixed.
- Gradually fold in Bisquick and garlic powder. Mixture will be sticky.
- If dough is too sticky, chill for 15 minutes before shaping.
- Roll into 1-inch balls (wet hands if dough sticks). Place on baking sheet.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and sausage is fully cooked.