Jimmy Dean Sage Sausage Cheese Balls

Ingredients:

1. 2 pkgs. Sage Flavor Jimmy Dean Pork Sausage
2. 1-1/2 cups all-purpose baking mix
3. 16 oz. (4 cups) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
4. 1/2 cup finely chopped sweet red pepper
5. 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
6. 2 teaspoons minced garlic
7. 1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

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

Note: 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.

Serving size:

6 dozen; variation - 9 dozen