These crispy pimento cheese balls are the ultimate Southern-inspired appetizer—golden on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, and finished with a sweet heat kick from Jalapeño Hatch Chile Jam. Made with a rich homemade pimento cheese blend of sharp cheddar, pepper jack, and bold seasonings, then coated in seasoned panko and fried to perfection in avocado oil, this easy appetizer recipe is perfect for entertaining, game day, holidays, or anytime you want a crowd-pleasing bite. Serve warm with gourmet jam for a next-level flavor combination that’s crispy, creamy, and irresistibly addictive.

Crispy Pimento Cheese Balls with Sweet Heat Jam

Pimento Cheese Base

Ingredients

• 1 block cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated pepper jack cheese (or white cheddar)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 (4 oz) jar diced pimentos, drained
• 3/4 tsp Street Corn Seasoning
• 1/2 tsp Bourbon Barrel Smoked Paprika
• 1/2 tsp San Juan Island Sea Salt Company Salt & Pepper Blend
• 6–10 dashes Bourbon Barrel Hot Sauce
• 4–6 dashes Bourbon Barrel Worcestershire Sauce (optional)

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth (hand mixer works best).
2. Add pimentos, seasonings, hot sauce, and Worcestershire. Mix until fully combined.
3. Fold in shredded cheeses until evenly incorporated.
4. Cover and chill for 30–60 minutes (makes rolling easier).

Pimento Cheese Balls

Ingredients

• Prepared pimento cheese
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, whisked
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp San Juan Blend
• Avocado oil, for frying
• Jalapeno Hatch Chile Jam

Instructions

1. Scoop and roll pimento cheese into 1-inch balls (makes ~22–24).
2. Set up dredging station:
   • Bowl 1: flour
   • Bowl 2: whisked egg
   • Bowl 3: panko + sea salt
3. Coat each ball:
   Flour → Egg → Panko
   (For extra crunch, repeat egg + panko one more time.)
4. Place coated balls on a tray and freeze for 24 hours
   (this step is key—don’t skip it)
5. Heat avocado oil in a medium pan over medium heat.
6. Fry in batches, leaving space between each ball.
   Turn as needed until golden brown on all sides
   (about 12–15 minutes total)
7. Remove and drain on paper towels.

To Serve

Serve warm over or alongside Jalapeño Hatch Chile Jam from Terrapin Ridge Farms. Love our products from Terrapin Ridge Farms? Find more recipes from our friends over at Terrapin Ridge Farms