Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls
These Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls are savory, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make. Ground pork sausage is combined with creamy pimento cheese, softened cream cheese, and baking mix to create tender bite-sized appetizers with plenty of rich Southern-inspired flavor.
Fresh chives add a light herbal note, while optional paprika and red pepper bring extra warmth. They bake until lightly golden and firm, making them perfect for holiday parties, game days, potlucks, brunches, family gatherings, and easy appetizers.
Why Everyone Loves Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls
- Cheesy and savory: Pimento cheese and cream cheese create a rich, flavorful bite.
- Easy ingredients: The recipe uses simple ingredients that are easy to combine.
- Perfect party appetizer: About 50 small sausage balls make plenty for sharing.
- Easy to prepare: Everything is mixed in one bowl before shaping and baking.
- Great warm or at room temperature: They are convenient for parties and gatherings.
- Make-ahead friendly: The sausage balls can be prepared ahead and reheated before serving.
Ingredients Overview
- Ground pork sausage – Provides the savory, meaty base and rich flavor.
- Prepared pimento cheese – Adds creamy cheese flavor and the classic pimento taste.
- Cream cheese – Makes the sausage balls softer, richer, and more tender.
- All-purpose baking mix – Helps bind the ingredients together and gives the sausage balls structure.
- Fresh chives – Add a mild onion-like flavor and fresh color.
- Paprika – Adds gentle warmth and extra flavor.
- Red pepper – Optional, but adds a little heat for a spicier appetizer.
Variations
- Spicy Sausage Balls – Add extra red pepper for a stronger kick.
- Extra Cheesy – Mix in a little shredded cheddar for additional cheese flavor.
- Herb Sausage Balls – Add chopped parsley or green onions alongside the chives.
- Smoky Flavor – Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- Milder Version – Leave out the red pepper for a family-friendly flavor.
- Breakfast Sausage Balls – Serve them as part of a brunch spread with eggs and other breakfast favorites.
How to Make Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
The parchment helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. Combine the Ingredients
Add the ground pork sausage, pimento cheese, softened cream cheese, baking mix, and chopped fresh chives to a large mixing bowl.
Add the paprika and red pepper if using.
Mix everything thoroughly with your hands until the sausage, cheeses, and baking mix are evenly combined.
Make sure there are no large pockets of baking mix or cream cheese remaining.
3. Shape the Sausage Balls
Shape the mixture into approximately 50 one-inch balls.
Try to keep the sausage balls similar in size so they cook evenly.
Place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each one.
4. Bake the Sausage Balls
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 14–17 minutes, or until the sausage balls are lightly golden brown and firm to the touch.
Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the exact size of the sausage balls.
5. Let Them Cool
Remove the sausage balls from the oven and place the baking sheets on wire racks.
Allow them to cool for about 10 minutes.
This short resting period allows the sausage balls to firm up slightly while remaining warm and tender inside.
6. Serve
Serve the Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls warm or at room temperature.
They work beautifully as a party appetizer, snack, brunch dish, or game-day finger food.
Pro Tips and Cooking Secrets
Soften the cream cheese first. Softened cream cheese blends much more easily with the sausage and pimento cheese, giving you a more uniform mixture.
Keep the sausage balls the same size. Making each ball approximately 1 inch helps them bake evenly and prevents some from becoming overcooked while others remain underdone.
Don’t overbake. Remove the sausage balls once they are lightly golden and firm to the touch to help keep the centers tender.
Let them rest before serving. A 10-minute cooling period allows the texture to settle while keeping the sausage balls warm and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm alongside your favorite dipping sauce for an easy party appetizer.
- Add them to a brunch platter with eggs, biscuits, and fresh fruit.
- Serve them as a game-day snack alongside other finger foods.
- Arrange them on a serving platter with fresh chives or parsley for a simple presentation.
How to Store Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls
Store leftover Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat them before serving until warmed through.
For parties, you can keep cooked sausage balls warm and serve them at room temperature if preferred.
Can You Freeze Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls?
The provided recipe does not include freezing instructions, so I would not add a specific freezer storage time without testing the recipe.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare the sausage mixture and shape the balls ahead of serving.
Keep the prepared sausage balls refrigerated until you’re ready to bake them.
This makes them especially convenient for parties, holidays, and gatherings where you want to do some preparation in advance.
Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls FAQs
What are Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls?
They are bite-sized appetizers made with ground pork sausage, pimento cheese, cream cheese, and baking mix. The mixture is shaped into balls and baked until lightly golden and firm.
How many sausage balls does this recipe make?
The recipe makes approximately 50 one-inch sausage balls.
Can I make these sausage balls spicy?
Yes. Add red pepper to the mixture for extra heat. You can also increase the amount according to your preferred spice level.
Can I use different sausage?
The provided recipe specifically calls for ground pork sausage. Using another sausage may change the flavor and texture.
How do I know when sausage balls are done?
They should be lightly golden brown and firm to the touch after approximately 14–17 minutes of baking.
Can I serve Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls at room temperature?
Yes. The recipe specifically states that they can be served warm or at room temperature, making them convenient for parties and buffets.
How long do Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls
Equipment
- oven
- two baking sheets
- parchment paper
- large bowl
- wire racks
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork sausage
- 12 oz prepared pimento cheese (such as Palmetto Cheese brand)
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose baking mix (such as Bisquick)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 1 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, cream 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.
