When it comes to Southern appetizers, few recipes disappear faster than a tray of homemade pimento cheese sausage balls recipe. Adding creamy pimento cheese takes this classic favorite to an entirely new level. These Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe, loaded with savory breakfast sausage, tangy pimento cheese, rich cream cheese, and just enough Bisquick to hold everything together into perfectly tender, cheesy bites.
Unlike traditional sausage balls that can sometimes turn out dry, the combination of cream cheese and prepared pimento cheese keeps these incredibly moist and flavorful. Every bite is packed with cheesy goodness, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, football parties, holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply keeping in the freezer for quick snacks.
The best part? They’re made with just four simple ingredients and come together in minutes.
Whether for a holiday gathering or a casual brunch, this pimento cheese sausage balls recipe is sure to impress.
Your family will ask for this pimento cheese sausage balls recipe again and again!
Whether you’re preparing Christmas breakfast, hosting a game day party, or looking for an easy make-ahead appetizer, this recipe is guaranteed to become one of your family’s favorites.
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This pimento cheese sausage balls recipe is not just easy, but it’s also versatile, allowing for different variations.
Try this delicious pimento cheese sausage balls recipe to bring a taste of the South to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Delicious Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe
There are hundreds of sausage ball recipes online, but this version stands apart for several reasons.
✔ Only four simple ingredients
This pimento cheese sausage balls recipe is so good, you might want to make a double batch!
✔ Extra moist—not dry
Make this pimento cheese sausage balls recipe for your next gathering!
✔ Loaded with cheesy flavor
✔ Perfect make-ahead appetizer
✔ Freezes beautifully
✔ Great for breakfast, brunch, or parties
Don’t miss out on this simple yet delicious pimento cheese sausage balls recipe.
✔ Ready in about 30 minutes
✔ Beginner friendly
What Makes Pimento Cheese Better Than Regular Cheese?
Traditional sausage balls usually call for shredded cheddar cheese. While delicious, shredded cheese doesn’t distribute evenly throughout the dough.
This pimento cheese sausage balls recipe should definitely be on your appetizer list.
Prepared pimento cheese brings:
- Creamier texture
- Better moisture
- Extra seasoning
- Tangy flavor
- Small pieces of pimentos throughout every bite
The result is a sausage ball that’s richer, softer, and bursting with Southern flavor.
This simple pimento cheese sausage balls recipe is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients
Ground Sausage
Use your favorite breakfast sausage.
Great choices include:
- Mild pork sausage
- Hot sausage
- Sage sausage
- Maple sausage
- Tennessee Pride
- Jimmy Dean
- Owens
- Store brands
Hot sausage gives these an incredible kick.
Cream Cheese
Softened cream cheese is the secret ingredient that keeps these from drying out.
It also makes mixing much easier.
Prepared Pimento Cheese
Use any prepared pimento cheese spread.
Popular brands include:
- Palmetto Cheese
- Price’s
- Pawleys Island
- Homemade pimento cheese
Sharp cheddar versions add even more flavor.
Bisquick
Bisquick binds everything together while keeping the texture light.
Don’t overmeasure.
Too much baking mix can make sausage balls dense.
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer (recommended)
- Cookie scoop
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Measuring cups
- Rubber spatula
Tips for Perfect Sausage Balls
Let the cream cheese soften first.
Cold cream cheese is difficult to mix evenly.
Don’t overmix.
Mix only until everything comes together.
Use a cookie scoop.
This pimento cheese sausage balls recipe is easy and delicious!
This keeps every sausage ball the same size so they bake evenly.
Line your baking sheet.
Parchment paper makes cleanup almost effortless.
Bake until golden.
The outside should be lightly browned while the inside reaches 160°F.
Recipe
Recipe Title
Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls
Description
Tender Southern sausage balls made with breakfast sausage, cream cheese, pimento cheese, and Bisquick. Perfect for holidays, parties, brunches, and game day.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Servings
24 sausage balls
Course
Appetizer
Cuisine
Southern
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 11 ounces prepared pimento cheese
- 1½ cups Bisquick
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine sausage and cream cheese until smooth.
- Mix in Bisquick.
- Fold in the pimento cheese until evenly combined.
- Roll into 1-inch balls.
- Place 1 inch apart on baking sheet.
- Bake 18–20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool 5 minutes before serving.
The Secret to Moist Sausage Balls
One of the biggest complaints about traditional sausage balls is that they often come out dry and crumbly. The combination of cream cheese and prepared pimento cheese completely solves that problem.
Cream cheese melts into the sausage while it bakes, creating a soft, tender interior. The pimento cheese adds even more moisture along with sharp cheddar flavor and a touch of seasoning. Together, they create sausage balls that stay delicious even after they’ve cooled.
If you’ve been disappointed with dry sausage balls in the past, this recipe is likely to become your new favorite.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize.
Spicy Jalapeño Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls
Add:
- 1–2 diced jalapeños
- Pepper jack pimento cheese if available
This pimento cheese sausage balls recipe is a must-try for all cheese lovers.
Surprise your family with this unique pimento cheese sausage balls recipe!
Perfect for game day.
This pimento cheese sausage balls recipe will satisfy any cheese craving.
Don’t hesitate to try this pimento cheese sausage balls recipe for your next meal!
This pimento cheese sausage balls recipe is both tasty and simple to prepare.
Don’t forget this essential pimento cheese sausage balls recipe for your parties!
Bacon Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls
Mix in:
- ½ cup cooked crumbled bacon
The smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the sausage.
Extra Sharp Cheddar Version
Add:
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
When you think of easy party food, think of this pimento cheese sausage balls recipe!
This creates even cheesier sausage balls.
Everything Bagel Version
Before baking, sprinkle with:
- Everything Bagel Seasoning
The crunchy topping adds incredible flavor.
Smoked Sausage Balls
Smoke instead of bake.
Cook at 250°F for about 60–75 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
The smoky flavor is amazing.
Parmesan Garlic Version
Add:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Elevate your appetizer game with this pimento cheese sausage balls recipe!
These pair wonderfully with marinara sauce.
If you’re looking for comfort food, this pimento cheese sausage balls recipe won’t disappoint.
Can You Make Them Ahead?
Absolutely.
These are one of the easiest make-ahead appetizers you’ll ever prepare.
Simply mix the dough, roll into balls, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
This makes holiday entertaining much easier.
Freezing Instructions
Freeze Before Baking
Roll into balls.
Place on a baking sheet.
Freeze until solid.
Transfer to freezer bags.
Store up to 3 months.
This pimento cheese sausage balls recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish.
Bake directly from frozen by adding about 5–7 minutes to the baking time.
Freeze After Baking
Allow them to cool completely.
Freeze in airtight freezer bags.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer whenever needed.
Storage
Refrigerator:
- Up to 4 days
Freezer:
- Up to 3 months
How to Reheat
Oven
Make sure you have this pimento cheese sausage balls recipe on hand!
350°F
Make this pimento cheese sausage balls recipe ahead of time and enjoy stress-free entertaining.
8–10 minutes
Air Fryer
350°F
4–5 minutes
Microwave
20–30 seconds
While the microwave works, the oven or air fryer keeps the outside crisp.
This easy pimento cheese sausage balls recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
What to Serve with Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls
These pair wonderfully with:
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
- Spicy mustard
- Hot pepper jelly
- Sweet chili sauce
- BBQ sauce
- Homemade ranch dip
- Garlic aioli
They also make a great addition to:
- Holiday brunch
- Breakfast buffet
- Charcuterie boards
- Tailgate spreads
- Potluck dinners
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using cold cream cheese
Softened cream cheese mixes much more evenly.
Overmixing
Overworking the dough can make the sausage balls dense.
Making them too large
Aim for about 1 inch so they cook evenly.
Underbaking
Always cook until the sausage reaches 160°F internally.
Overcrowding the baking sheet
Leave about an inch between each ball for even browning.
If you love easy Southern comfort food recipes, be sure to check out our other reader favorites including our Cheesy Potatoes in the Crock Pot, Dutch Oven Bread Recipe, Chinese Sugar Donuts, Fresh Tuna Tartare Recipe, and our hearty Homemade Chicken Pot Pie. They’re all simple, family-friendly recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights, holidays, and gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade pimento cheese?
Yes! Homemade pimento cheese works wonderfully and often has even more flavor than store-bought varieties.
Can I make these without Bisquick?
Yes. You can substitute a homemade baking mix made with flour, baking powder, salt, and cold butter.
Can I use turkey sausage?
Absolutely. Turkey sausage makes a lighter version while still delivering great flavor.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes.
Cook at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, working in batches if needed.
Do they need dipping sauce?
Your guests will rave about this pimento cheese sausage balls recipe!
Not necessarily. They’re flavorful enough on their own, but pepper jelly or honey mustard makes an excellent accompaniment.
Can I make them spicy?
Definitely. Use hot breakfast sausage, spicy pimento cheese, or add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
Recipe Notes
- Softened cream cheese mixes best.
- A stand mixer makes preparation much easier.
- Use parchment paper for effortless cleanup.
- A cookie scoop keeps every sausage ball the same size.
- Great for holiday breakfasts, potlucks, tailgating, and meal prep.
- Freeze extras for quick snacks or breakfasts.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Serving Size: 1 sausage ball (based on 24 servings)
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Cholesterol: 28mg
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on the brands of sausage, pimento cheese, and baking mix used.
Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the ground sausage and softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the Bisquick and mix until evenly incorporated.
- Fold in the pimento cheese until thoroughly combined.
- Roll the mixture into approximately 1-inch balls.
- Arrange the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each one.
- Bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and the sausage is completely cooked.
- The internal temperature should reach 160°F.
- Remove from the oven and allow the sausage balls to cool for about 5 minutes.
- Serve warm
Nutrition
Notes
- Softened cream cheese is much easier to incorporate evenly into the sausage mixture.
- A stand mixer can make mixing the thick sausage-ball dough easier.
- Using a small cookie scoop helps make evenly sized sausage balls so they cook at the same rate.
- Parchment paper makes cleanup much easier and helps prevent sticking.
- These are great for holiday parties, potlucks, tailgating, game day, and make-ahead appetizers.
- Extras can also be frozen for later
