Sausage Cheeseballs

Ingredients:

3 pkgs. (16 oz. each) Regular Flavor Jimmy Dean Pork Sausage

1-1/2 cups all-purpose baking mix

8 oz. (2 cups) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1/2 cup finely chopped celery

2 teaspoons black pepper

2 teaspoons minced garlic (optional)

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:

Makes about 6 dozen; variation – 9 dozen