Warm, cheesy sausage balls are always a hit, but adding pimento cheese takes them to the next level. These pimento cheese sausage balls are one of my go-to appetizers for game days, family brunches, and especially church potlucks. They come together quickly, and the flavor is exactly what you want from a Southern bite: savory, creamy, and just the right amount of spicy.
I enjoy making a double batch and freezing half for unexpected guests. These are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and are incredibly beginner-friendly. They go from mixing bowl to serving platter in about 30 minutes. Hosting stress? Not with this recipe!
Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls
These sausage balls blend creamy, cheesy goodness with savory sausage for the ultimate Southern comfort bite. They’re easy to make with a few budget-friendly ingredients like Bisquick and pimento cheese, and take just 15 minutes of prep, perfect for busy evenings or last-minute guests. You can switch up the ingredients with turkey sausage, dairy-free cheese, or pickled jalapeños for a flavorful spicy twist.
Key Ingredients
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Ground pork sausage: I like to use a spicy breakfast sausage for an extra kick, but mild works great too. Turkey sausage is a leaner swap. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before mixing to make blending easier.
- All-purpose baking mix: Use a complete mix like Bisquick for the right texture. Avoid plain flour, which won’t give the same results. Gluten-free 1:1 blends work well here, too.
- Prepared Pimento cheese: Homemade or store-bought both work great, but I highly recommend my recipe from my Famous Masters Pimento Cheese Sandwich Recipe for the best flavor, or kick things up with a little heat with this Spicy Southern Pimento Cheese Spread.
- Green onions: Use both the white and green parts. Adds a nice pop of flavor and color. You can swap for chives or shallots if you prefer.
How To Make Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls
Mix Ingredients, Shape Balls, & Bake
In a large bowl, add the sausage, baking mix, pimento cheese, and green onions. I like to mix it all with my hands because it blends more evenly that way.
Once it’s fully combined, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. I usually get about 50 total. They don’t spread much, so you can space them fairly close together on your parchment-lined sheets.
Place the trays in the oven and bake for 14 to 17 minutes. I usually check at 15. You’re looking for golden tops and a firm texture.
Let them cool for about 10 minutes on a paper towel-lined tray. Then serve warm or room temp. They’re great either way!
Yes! Mix and roll the balls, then refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Or bake and freeze.
Yes, air fry at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, but you may need to work in batches.
Variations, Substitutions, and Recipe Tips
Dietary Modifications: Use a gluten-free baking mix like Pamela’s or King Arthur. For dairy-free, swap in plant-based pimento cheese.
Make It Spicy: Use hot sausage, finely diced roasted jalapeños, pepper jack pimento cheese, or stir in a pinch of cayenne.
Flavor Add-Ins: A little garlic powder or smoked paprika gives extra depth.
Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on them. Overbaking can make them dry. Pull them out when they’re just golden and still soft in the center.
Hospitality Challenge
Keep a batch of these Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls in your freezer, ready for the unexpected. When someone drops by, a friend needs to talk, or you sense the Spirit nudging you to invite someone in, pop a few in the oven, and offer them with a glass of Southern sweet tea. This simple readiness turns your home into a sanctuary of welcome, showing that biblical hospitality doesn’t require planning, just a willing heart and something warm to share.
These sausage balls are even better when you set them out with a few other easy bites. A bowl of Sweet & Spicy Roasted Cashews is always a hit, and Creamy Black-Eyed Pea Hummus makes a perfect dip on the side.
More Savory Appetizer Recipes
- Creamy Crab Pinwheels Recipe (Freeze & Bake)
- Party Pickle Roll Ups: Quick To Make Appetizer
- Easy And Creamy Classic Deviled Eggs Recipe
- Easy Buffalo Rotisserie Chicken Dip Recipe
- Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs with Buffalo Sauce
These pimento cheese sausage balls are one of my favorites for easy entertaining, especially when I want something guests can nibble on while mingling. If you have any questions about making this recipe, feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Southern Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls
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Ingredients
- 1 pound ground pork sausage, mild or spicy
- 2 ½ cups baking mix, all-purpose, such as Bisquick Original Pancake & Baking Mix
- 1 ½ cups pimiento cheese
- 2 tablespoons green onions, minced into small pieces, the green and white part of the onion
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix the Ingredients and Shape Balls
- In a large bowl, combine ground pork sausage, baking mix, pimiento cheese, and minced green onions. Use your hands to mix until everything is fully combined. (Tip: Let the sausage sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before mixing, this makes it easier to blend. I like to use kitchen gloves for this step)1 pound ground pork sausage, 2 ½ cups baking mix, 1 ½ cups pimiento cheese, 2 tablespoons green onions
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. You should get about 50.
- Place the raw sausage balls evenly spaced on the parchment lined baking sheets.
Bake
- Bake for 14 to 17 minutes, or until the sausage balls are lightly golden and feel firm to the touch.
Cool and Serve
- Remove the sausage balls to paper towels and all to cool for 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Gina’s Notes and Tips
- Storage: Place cooled sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked sausage balls in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds per 3 balls. From frozen, add 5 extra minutes in the oven.
