JJC Happy Hour - Jimmy Dean Sausage and Cheese Balls

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (16 ounce) packages Regular Flavor Jimmy Dean Pork Sausage
• 1 (16 ounce) packages HOT Jimmy Dean Pork Sausage
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose baking mix
• 4 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (room temp) (consider some pepper jack)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion (or 1 tsp onion powder)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery (can be omitted and I did)
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (optional)

 

STEPS

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl; stir well.
3. Form into 1inch balls.
4. Place on ungreased baking sheet; bake 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Remove from oven; cool 5 minutes before removing from pan.

 

 

Other suggestions from comments:

• Let ingredients get to room temp before mixing and forming for easier handling.
• Be careful you keep these at 1" balls. Freeze easily. Then thaw them 5 minutes (not 15) and bake them for 18-20 minutes (not 20-25) so they won't be dry. Everyone really liked these, and the mild flavor was good for kids.
• Bake them on a broiler pan that I lined with foil. The grease drips through thus avoiding a messy cookie sheet. Also, let them cool a bit before removing from the pan.

Clipped from: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/84071/jimmy-dean-sausage-cheese-balls/print/?recipeType=Recipe&servings=36&isMetric=false