Sausage Cheese Balls

(Courtesy of allrecipes.com)

Ingredients:
2 pkgs. (16 oz. each) regular-flavor Jimmy Dean pork sausage
1 1/2 c. all-purpose baking mix
4 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 c. finely chopped onion
1/2 c. finely chopped celery
2 tsp. black pepper
2 tsp. minced garlic, optional

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl; stir well.  Form into 1 inch balls.  Place on an 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.  

For a more firm texture, add 3 c. baking mix and 2 c. shredded cheese to the ingredients listed above.