If you’re ready to wow your friends or family with a snack that bursts with bold Southern flavors and irresistible cheesy goodness, then this Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe is your new best friend. These golden, bite-sized delights combine the creamy tang of pimento cheese with savory sausage and a tender, fluffy texture that will keep everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a cozy brunch, or just craving a snack that feels like a warm hug, these sausage balls deliver that perfect balance of spicy, cheesy, and satisfying all in one bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients that each play a crucial role in making these sausage balls unbelievably delicious and perfectly textured. From the rich creaminess of softened cream cheese to the spicy punch of pimento cheese, every component is essential.
- 1 lb sausage (uncooked): Use your favorite pork or turkey sausage for the base flavor and juiciness.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened): Adds a smooth, tangy richness that helps bind everything together.
- 1½ cups Bisquick: Acts as the secret to that light, slightly fluffy texture.
- 1 (12-oz) container pimento cheese (Palmetto Cheese recommended): Brings that classic Southern creamy, spicy, and tangy flavor punch.
How to Make Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
This is an easy place to start—get your oven warmed up to 400ºF so it’s ready to give your sausage balls that perfect golden-brown outside while they cook through evenly inside.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients Thoroughly
Combine the uncooked sausage, softened cream cheese, Bisquick, and pimento cheese in a large bowl. For the smoothest and easiest mix, I love using a KitchenAid mixer with the dough hook attachment. Mixing until everything is well blended ensures every bite is packed with flavor and a perfectly moist texture.
Step 3: Shape Into 1-Inch Balls
Roll the dough mixture into bite-sized balls—around 1 inch each is ideal. This uniform size means they bake evenly and serve up perfect snack-sized morsels everyone can enjoy without any fuss.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden Brown
Place your sausage balls on a rimmed baking sheet, making sure they aren’t crowded to allow for even cooking. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and smell absolutely irresistible. This step locks in all those fantastic flavors and creates a lovely crust outside while keeping the inside tender.
How to Serve Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
Garnishes
While these sausage balls are spectacular on their own, a little garnish can take presentation up a notch. Try sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that complements the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe with simple sides like a crisp green salad, tangy pickles, or even some spicy dipping sauces such as a homemade ranch or a zesty mustard dip. These choices balance the savory richness and add variety to your spread.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make these sausage balls the star at your next gathering, serve them in a charming basket lined with parchment paper or arrange them on a tiered appetizer tray surrounded by colorful veggies or crackers. For a fun twist, consider toothpicking a ball and topping it with a small pickle or a dab of hot pepper jelly for an extra layer of flavor and style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These sausage balls keep wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain their moisture and flavor. They make for excellent next-day snacks or lunchbox treats!
Freezing
Want to prepare ahead? These sausage balls freeze beautifully. After shaping but before baking, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To warm your leftover or frozen Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe, pop them in a 350ºF oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep their delightful crust intact.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in spicy sausage for a kick, turkey sausage for a leaner option, or even a plant-based sausage if you prefer. Just be mindful of seasoning differences that might affect the final taste.
Is it necessary to use Bisquick, or can I substitute it?
Bisquick provides a wonderful binding and light texture, but you can substitute with a homemade baking mix or self-rising flour mixed with a bit of baking powder. The texture might vary slightly but will still be tasty.
Can I make the sausage balls smaller or larger?
Yes! While 1-inch balls bake evenly and make perfect finger foods, you can adjust the size depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that smaller balls will cook faster and larger ones need more time to bake through.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level depends mostly on the type of sausage and pimento cheese you use. Mild sausage and classic pimento cheese will keep it approachable for most. You can always choose a spicier variety or add a pinch of cayenne if you want more heat.
Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can mix and form the sausage balls a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator unbaked. When ready, just bake them as directed, adding a couple of extra minutes if they’re cold.
Final Thoughts
This Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe is such a joyful, comforting snack that brings all the rich, cheesy Southern vibes right to your kitchen. It’s simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and sure to be a hit whether you’re serving it for holidays, parties, or casual get-togethers. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—it might just become your new go-to crowd-pleaser!
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Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings (about 20–25 sausage balls) 1x
Description
These Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls are a savory, cheesy appetizer perfect for parties or snack time. Combining spicy sausage with creamy pimento cheese, cream cheese, and Bisquick, they bake into golden, bite-sized balls with a crisp exterior and tender, flavorful inside.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage, uncooked
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups Bisquick
- 1 (12-oz) container pimento cheese (such as Palmetto Cheese)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) and allow it to fully preheat to ensure even cooking of the sausage balls.
- Mix ingredients: Combine the uncooked sausage, softened cream cheese, Bisquick, and pimento cheese in a large mixing bowl. Use a KitchenAid mixer with a dough hook attachment or mix by hand until the mixture is well incorporated and uniform in texture.
- Form sausage balls: Roll the mixture into approximately 1-inch diameter balls using your hands, ensuring they are tightly packed to hold their shape during baking.
- Prepare baking sheet: Place the sausage balls evenly spaced on a rimmed baking sheet to prevent sticking or merging as they cook.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes or until the sausage balls are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160ºF (71ºC) for safety.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the sausage balls to cool slightly before serving them warm as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, use spicy sausage or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
- You can make these ahead of time and freeze them uncooked; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Serve with mustard or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
- Baking on a rimmed sheet pan helps prevent grease from spilling in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
