Zesty Sausage Cheese Balls

The Menu:

Zesty Sausage Cheese Balls

The Original Recipe:
I have to say that I have started buying local meat from a local butcher shop. I am really trying to be healthier and to buy meats with out hormones or preservatives added, so this was the best route. It tastes so much better, too! I mean, I grew up on a farm, so we have always had our cows butchered, but not so much with the chicken and pork, so I have started buying that from the local butcher, too.
I was originally going to make No-Time-for-Breakfast Biscuits this morning, but I had some leftover Jimmy Dean Sausage I wanted to use (the last of the store bought meat!). I saw this recipe on the back of the package and it looked good. I didn't add the jalapenos because the sausage was spicy enough. My oldest son can eat a couple of these in the morning before school. Not to healthy, but definitely quick, and it used up this store bought package that kept eyeballing me everytime I would get in and out of the freezer.
I actually think they would be a great appetizer, to be honest.


Zesty Sausage Cheese Balls

Ingredients


1 pkg. Jimmy Dean® Hot Pork Sausage Roll (uncooked)

¾ cup all-purpose baking mix

2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

¼ cup finely chopped onion

¼ cup seeded, finely chopped fresh jalapeño peppers

1 large clove garlic, minced

½ teaspoon chili powder

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions



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



2. Place in 2 lightly greased baking pans.



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



4. 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.



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.


Yield:

18 servings (2 balls each