Zesty Sausage Cheese Balls

By Susan52

Ingredients

• 1 pkg. Jimmy Dean® Premium Pork Hot Roll Sausage
• 3/4 cup all-purpose baking mix
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup seeded, finely chopped fresh jalapeño peppers
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• One eighth teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Details

Servings 18
Preparation time 25mins
Adapted from mrfood.com

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix all ingredients in large bowl just until blended. Shape into 36 (1-inch) balls.

Place in 2 lightly greased baking pans.

Bake 12-14 minutes or until done (160°F).

Serve with toothpicks, if desired.

Cook’s Tips:
Stove-Top Variation: Do not preheat oven. Mix ingredients and shape into balls as directed. Cook half the sausage balls in large skillet over medium heat 15-17 minutes or until done (160°F), turning frequently. Remove from skillet; place in single layer in shallow pan to keep warm. Repeat with remaining sausage balls. Serve with toothpicks, if desired.

Flavor Variations: Spicy Sausage-Cranberry Cheese Balls: Substitute 1 cup dried cranberries , 1 cup chopped pecans and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg for onion, jalapeno peppers, garlic powder, chili powder and cayenne pepper; continue as directed above.

Italian-Style Sausage Cheese Balls: Substitute 1 pkg. Jimmy Dean Premium Pork Original Roll Sausage for Premium Pork Hot Roll Sausage, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, 1 cup packed fresh spinach leaves, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup finely chopped red bell pepper, 1 large garlic clove, minced and ½ teaspoon dried oregano for onion, jalapeno peppers, garlic powder, chili powder and cayenne pepper; continue as directed above.

Make Ahead: Sausage balls can be shaped ahead of time and frozen. When ready to serve, heat oven to 375°F. Place frozen balls on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake 16-18 minutes or until done (160°F).
Note: It is easiest to mix the sausage mixture using your hands. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.