There’s something about fried cheese that just hits every time, and these pimento cheese balls are no exception. Crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, and sitting on a sweet layer of pepper jelly that pulls the whole thing together. This is southern snacking at its finest.

They’re easy to make and even easier to devour. You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. With just a few steps, you’ll have a warm, golden appetizer that’s perfect for game day, dinner parties, or even just a late-night craving.

Why You’ll Love Pimento Cheese Balls

This recipe is comfort food in bite-sized form. You get that familiar sharp and creamy pimento cheese flavor, but with a crispy, golden crust thanks to the panko breading. The Italian seasoning gives it a herby kick, and the pepper jelly adds a sweet contrast that keeps you coming back for more.

They’re simple, budget-friendly, and make you look like a kitchen rockstar without breaking a sweat. Plus, they’re super easy to double up if you’re feeding a crowd. If you’re a fan of bold, cheesy snacks with a little southern flair, you’re gonna be all over this.

What You Need To Make Pimento Cheese Balls

You only need a few ingredients for these, and you’ll find the exact amounts listed in the recipe card below. Grab a container of pimento cheese from the store (no shame in the shortcut), flour, eggs and milk for your egg wash, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning. A bit of olive oil for pan frying and some pepper jelly to serve as the base brings everything together.

This recipe doesn’t need any complicated tools or prep. Just make sure your pimento cheese is cold before you roll it into balls, and you’re good to go.

How To Make Pimento Cheese Balls

1

Start by rolling cold pimento cheese into small balls. Keep them uniform in size so they cook evenly. Set up a breading station with flour in one bowl, egg wash in another, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning in a third.

2

Dip each cheese ball in the flour, then the egg wash, then coat it well in the seasoned panko. Once they’re all coated, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pan fry the cheese balls, turning gently, until golden brown on all sides.

3

To serve, spread a layer of pepper jelly on the plate, place the warm cheese balls on top, and sprinkle with a little more Italian seasoning. You can also serve extra pepper jelly on the side for dipping.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I use homemade pimento cheese instead of store bought?

Yes you can. Just make sure it’s firm and cold enough to roll into balls.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

You could, but they won’t get as crispy. Frying gives that perfect golden crust.

How do I keep the cheese balls from falling apart when frying?

Make sure the cheese is very cold and your breading is solid. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan.