Pimiento Cheese Sausage Balls

Victor Protasio; Culinary Artist: Emily Nabors Hall; Set Designer: Claire Spollen

Revitalize your mornings with our mouthwatering, effortlessly simple recipe for pimiento cheese sausage bites. This straightforward recipe calls for just four key ingredients and maximizes the potential of a standard baking mix, like Bisquick, which likely resides in many of our kitchen cabinets, awaiting a recipe just like this one to unleash its potential.

pimento cheese sausage balls served on a plate

In our Test Kitchen, these sausage bites have won over many fans, with one enthusiast exclaiming, “These are pure joy!” They’re not just a hit at breakfast but also excel as lunch or appetizer options throughout the year.

The recipe yields 50 delightful bites, and they freeze beautifully. Simply form them into balls, freeze them raw, and then, when ready to bake from frozen, extend your baking time by a few minutes to guarantee they are fully cooked.

Pimiento cheese, or pimento cheese, is a beloved spread in the Southern U.S. Typically a mix of shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and pimientos, it’s commonly served on crackers or in sandwiches. The ingredients can vary widely, with options including cream cheese, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne, paprika, onions, jalapeños, pickles, and more, depending on the chef’s preference.

For these sausage bites, you’ll need:

Ground pork sausage: For that satisfying meaty crunch. Feel free to use your preferred uncooked sausage. Richer sausages tend to bind better than leaner ones.
All-purpose baking mix: A go-to like Bisquick Original Pancake & Baking Mix, or any brand you prefer. Be sure to measure with a spoon and level off for uniformity.
Prepared pimiento cheese: A convenient shortcut or a homemade version.
Fresh chives: To add a zing of onion flavor and a vibrant green hue.

Victor Protasio; Culinary Artist: Emily Nabors Hall; Set Designer: Claire Spollen

These sausage bites are a breeze to assemble, providing over 50 servings to cater to a crowd in no time. Full instructions are provided below, but here’s a quick overview to get you started:

Step 1. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl until well mixed.
Step 2. Shape the mixture into approximately 50 (1-inch) balls and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Step 3. Bake in a 350°F oven until they turn a light golden color, 14 to 17 minutes. Let them cool on the baking sheet on a wire rack before serving warm or at room temperature.

Sausage bites are soft and satisfying, resembling gentle biscuits speckled with sausage. The pimiento cheese imparts a delightful burst of flavor, with gooey cheese and pimiento pepper bits scattered throughout. The addition of chives brings a fresh oniony taste and a splash of green, making these bites perfect for holiday gatherings or a quick, everyday treat. They’re hearty and full of flavor, sure to satisfy any craving.

Prepare these bites up to a day in advance. Mix the ingredients, roll them into balls, transfer to a baking sheet, cover, and chill. Let them come to room temperature before baking according to the instructions.

For a head start on party prep, you can also freeze the uncooked sausage bites. Roll them, flash freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then move to freezer-safe zip-top bags and freeze for up to three months. Bake them frozen as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months. Reheat to room temperature or warm in the microwave, toaster oven, or oven before serving.

Editor’s Note: This recipe was crafted by the Southern Living Test Kitchen; the introduction was penned by Katie Rosenhouse.

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1 lb. ground pork sausage
2 1/2 cups all-purpose baking mix (such as Bisquick Original Pancake & Baking Mix)
1 1/2 cups prepared pimiento cheese
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives

1 lb. ground pork sausage

2 1/2 cups all-purpose baking mix (such as Bisquick Original Pancake & Baking Mix)

1 1/2 cups prepared pimiento cheese

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly (this is best done by hand).
Shape the mixture into about 50 (1-inch) balls and place them on two baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
Bake in the preheated oven until they are lightly golden and firm, 14 to 17 minutes. Allow to cool on the baking sheet on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.

Victor Protasio; Culinary Artist: Emily Nabors Hall; Set Designer: Claire Spollen

Frequently Asked Questions

Sausage bites can be left out for up to two hours while serving, but should be refrigerated after that.
The baked sausage bites should be a light golden brown and feel firm to the touch when done. Feel free to break one open to check for doneness (and for a sneak peek, of course!)
While these sausage bites are well seasoned with pimiento cheese and chives, feel free to tweak the recipe by adding more heat (cayenne pepper), diced bell peppers, or different types of sausage to the mix.

Sausage bites can be left out for up to two hours while serving, but should be refrigerated after that.

The baked sausage bites should be a light golden brown and feel firm to the touch when done. Feel free to break one open to check for doneness (and for a sneak peek, of course!)

While these sausage bites are well seasoned with pimiento cheese and chives, feel free to tweak the recipe by adding more heat (cayenne pepper), diced bell peppers, or different types of sausage to the mix.