Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls

These Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls are loaded with creamy, tangy palmetto cheese. Everyone will love this for an addictively delicious appetizer or snack! Plus, this sausage ball recipe is super easy and ready in under 30 minutes. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces at parties, casual get-togethers, or even your next spaghetti dinner. These sausage balls recipes are great to make ahead in a large batch to enjoy now and freeze some for later!

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Why We Love Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls

Savory and spicy sausage is combined with zesty pimento cheese for an easy snack or appetizer. What’s not to love?

This twist on our classic Sausage Balls with Cheese recipe is made with Bisquick baking mix. Instead of shredded cheese, though, this delightful twist uses Palmetto pimento cheese for an extra kick of flavor.

Pimento cheese sausage balls are just as easy to prepare as the original version. And, they have just 3 ingredients! Can you believe it?

Simply mix baking mix with spicy ground sausage. Then stir in creamy pimento and scooped into balls. Finally, bake the balls until they are golden brown.

From start to finish it takes less than 30 minutes! You will have a plateful of tender, bold, and cheesy meatballs ready to dip into your favorite sauces.

These fun and flavorful hand-held wonders are terrific to serve at parties, barbecues, and casual gatherings.

In fact, I usually make two batches at a time. One to enjoy right away, and the other to freeze and have on hand for last-minute appetizers.

Once you try this tasty sausage appetizer I promise you will want to make them for any and every occasion!

Make this Three Ingredient Recipe

1. Ground pork sausage – this is the heart of the meatball – the sausage! I prefer Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage or Italian sausage
2. Pimento cheese – this is a mixture of cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise for a rich cheesy taste and tender, moist sausage balls.
3. Bisquick – this flour baking mix is the binder that holds the meatballs together

Optional: sliced green onions

Pimento cheese comes in many varieties and brands. I like the Palmetto brand, but any mixture of pimento cheese spread will work in this recipe.

This pimento cheese substitute recipe is handy. With it you will always be able to make these palmetto cheese sausage balls!

Out of Bisquick in the pantry? No problem! Our Bsiquick substitute for homemade baking mix is below. Use it for any of our Bisquick recipes on The Feathered Nester.

Homemade DIY Bisquick Substitute

You can easily make your own baking mix from scratch!

If you’ve ever wondered what is Bisquick baking mix made of? Well, you might be surprised to learn that it’s simply a combination of flour, baking powder, salt, and vegetable shortening. That’s it!

Check out the complete How to make homemade Bisquick guide for precise measurements to prepare this baking mix recipe.

Ingredient Variations

• Turkey sausage balls with pimento cheese: Substitute ground pork sausage with leaner ground turkey or chicken for turkey sausage balls with pimento cheese. Add two tablespoons of melted butter or whole milk to keep the meatball mixture nice and moist.
• Gluten-free Pimento Cheese Sausage balls: This recipe is easy to make as gluten-free pimento cheese sausage balls! Simply use Gluten-Free Bisquick or your preferred GF-friendly baking mix.
• Make this delicious snack even more exciting by using other types of Palmetto pimento cheese. In addition to their classic flavor, they also offer a spicier cheese spread. It’s made with jalapeños and extra savory pimento cheese with bacon.

How to Make Bisquick Sausage Balls with Pimento Cheese

Preheat the oven to 375º Fahrenheit, then prepare the baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, a Silpat liner, or aluminum foil. 

Add the ground sausage, pimento cheese mixture, baking mix, and green onion to a large mixing bowl.

Use clean hands, a potato masher, or a stand mixer to mix the sausage ball mixture together. If using your hands, knead or fold the Bisquick and cheese into the ground sausage.

Then, scoop the sausage ball mix with a medium-sized scoop or large tablespoon and make 24 pimento sausage balls.

Each should be about the size of a golf ball. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake at 375º Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes. The meatballs will be light golden brown in color when they are done baking.

Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the center of the sausage balls registers 145º F in temperature.

Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like mango sweet chili, BBQ sauce, marinara sauce, or spicy honey mustard.

How do you tell if a sausage ball is done?

Use an instant-read thermometer to check to see if the center of the meatballs is at least 145º Fahrenheit. If so, they are done.

How long will these cheesy meatballs last?

Sausage balls will keep well for up to 3 or 4 days in the refrigerator. To store: let them cool completely. Then, transfer them to an airtight container before placing them in the fridge.

Can I freeze These?

These are best frozen before baking, in my opinion. To freeze, form the sausage balls. Place on a baking sheet then flash freeze the meatballs in the freezer for 1-2 hours. Then store them in a freezer-safe container, like a Ziplock bag for up to 3 months.

You can also freeze them after baking. Let cool, then place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.

How to Thaw and Bake

Do not thaw in the microwave. The frozen sausage balls may separate or become mushy.

Place the frozen sausage balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a Silpat silicone liner. Then thaw at room temperature for an hour until they are defrosted.

For already baked pimento cheese sausage balls, cover them with foil before baking. Bake at 375ºF for 15-20 minutes, following the instructions in the recipe.

Get More easy appetizer recipes!

• Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers
• Bisquick Sausage Balls with Cheese
• Loaded Tater Tots Appetizer
• Pretzel Balls from Ready-Dough
• Pretzel Cheese Dip
• Tater Tot Egg Nests
• Italian Sliders

Common Questions

What goes with sausage cheese balls?

These tangy snacks are delightful to dip in all kinds of sauces. Pair them with sweeter condiments, like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and ketchup for yummy crack sausage balls. Or, savory dipping sauces like ranch dressing, remoulade, or homemade cheese dip for even more cheesiness!

Why are my sausage balls too dry?

Meatballs and sausage balls can become too dry for a few reasons. Using too much baking mix is one. Stir your flour mixture before measuring it. Another is overworking the ground meat, baking mix, and cheese. Stir just until combined, then quickly roll the balls. These tips should help avoid the sausage balls too dry issue.

How do you get sausage balls to stick together?

The combination of baking mix, ground sausage, and cheese mixture binds the mixture so it sticks together. I always recommend using freshly grated cheese, but in this recipe, we are using a Palmetto cheese mixture.

How do you make ahead and freeze Palmetto cheese balls?

It’s best to freeze the palmetto cheese sausage balls before baking. Form the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Then, flash freeze them in the freezer for an hour.

Transfer to an airtight zipper bag for storage. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature for an hour before baking.