Sage Sausage Cheese Balls

By Kathy Johnson

Ingredients

• 2 pkgs. Sage Flavor Jimmy Dean® Pork Sausage
• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose baking mix
• 16 oz. (4 cups) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup finely chopped sweet red pepper
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375 F. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl; stir well. Form into 1" sausage cheese balls. Place balls on ungreased baking sheet; bake 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven; cool 5 minutes before removing from pan. Serve sausage cheese balls with cocktail forks or toothpicks.

Note: Sage sausage cheese balls may be prepared ahead and frozen uncooked. To bake from frozen: thaw on baking sheet 15 minutes; bake in preheated oven 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Variation: for firmer texture, add 3 cups baking mix and 2 cups shredded cheese to the ingredients listed above.

Variation: for firmer texture, add 3 cups baking mix and 2 cups shredded cheese to the ingredients listed above.