Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe - Southern Living

Take your mornings up a notch with this delicious—and deliciously easy—recipe for pimiento cheese sausage balls. This simple recipe requires only four ingredients and makes the absolute most of a box of all-purpose baking mix, such as Bisquick, which so many of us have in our cabinets waiting for a recipe just like this one.

Our Test Kitchen is filled with fans of these sausage balls, one of whom said, "These are a delight!" and also touted their ability to take you through the season of breakfasts, lunches, and appetizers.

The recipe makes 50 balls, and they freeze very well. Just roll them into balls, and freeze raw. When you bring them out to bake from frozen, be sure to add a couple of minutes to your bake time to ensure doneness.

Jennifer Causey

What Is Pimiento Cheese?

Pimiento cheese (or pimento cheese) is a favorite spread in the Southern United States. Mainly made up of shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and pimientos, it's often served on crackers or in sandwiches. The ingredient list can also include cream cheese, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne, paprika, onions, jalapeños, pickles, and more, depending on who's making it.

The History of Pimiento Cheese

In the 1870s, farmers in New York began to produce an early version of cream cheese. Around the same time, canned red peppers or pimientos, began to be imported to the United States from Spain. A recipe published in Good Housekeeping in 1908 was the first record of the two ingredients being brought together as a spread.

After World War II, home cooks began to swap the cream cheese for hoop cheese, a rubbery cheese with a red, waxy coating, and later to Cheddar cheese, binding the ingredients together with mayonnaise for a smooth spread. It's been a Southern staple ever since.

Ingredients for Pimiento Cheese Sausage Balls

To make these sausage balls, you'll need:

  • Ground pork sausage: For a meaty bite. Can substitute with any type of uncooked sausage you prefer. Fattier sausage provides more of a binding quality than leaner varieties.
  • All-purpose baking mix: Such as Bisquick Original Pancake & Baking Mix, or your preferred variety. Be sure to spoon and level for consistent results.
  • Prepared pimiento cheese: A quick shortcut option, or make your own.
  • Fresh chives: For a fresh, oniony bite and pop of green color.

How To Make Pimiento Cheese Sausage Balls

These sausage balls come together with a quick mix for over 50 balls to feed a crowd in no time. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

  • Step 1. Mix all ingredients to combine.
  • Step 2. Shape into about 50 (1-inch) balls; transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets.
  • Step 3. Bake until lightly golden, 14 to 17 minutes, in a 350°F oven. Cool on baking sheet on wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

What Do Pimiento Cheese Sausage Balls Taste Like?

Sausage balls are fluffy and hearty—like tender little biscuits studded with sausage. Pimiento cheese adds a punch of flavor to these balls, with gooey, cheesy bits, and flecks of pimiento peppers throughout. These pimiento cheese sausage balls also have chives in the mix for a fresh oniony flavor and bright green color. Festive enough to serve during the holidays, while easy enough to make any day of the week, these little balls are filling and flavorful.

Can I Make Pimiento Cheese Sausage Balls Ahead?

You can prepare these balls up to one day in advance. Assemble the mixture and roll as directed, then transfer to a baking sheet, wrap and chill. Bring to room temperature before baking as directed.

You can also freeze uncooked sausage balls to get ahead of your party prep. Roll the balls, and flash freeze on baking sheets until firm, then transfer to freezer-safe zip-top bags and freeze for up to three months. Bake frozen balls as directed, adding a few additional minutes to the baking time as needed.

How To Store and Reheat Leftover Pimiento Cheese Sausage Balls

Store leftover pimiento cheese sausage balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months. Bring to room temperature or warm in the microwave, toaster oven, or oven before serving.

More Pimiento Cheese Recipes You'll Love

Pimiento cheese is a crowd-pleaser that works well in just about any recipe, including deviled eggs, casseroles, burgers, and more.

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

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