Dishin’ With Debbie-Spicy Sausage Bites

Whatever the occasion, you always need good food.  If it's a party, a holiday or a tailgate gathering, pick up appetizers are the best.  We've all probably had these irresistable sausage bites made with the convenient box baking mix. 

We have the traditional version on Thanksgiving morning as a brunch before the big feast.  However, these have a twist that is uniquely southern.  The shredded cheese is swapped out for pimento cheese.  I chose to spice it up a bit with a spicy jalapeno cheese.  These flavorful bites will wake you up!

Ingredients:

1 pound pork sausage

1 1/2 cups pimento cheese (I used an entire 12 ounce container of the Palmetto brand)

2 1/2 cups baking mix (such as Bisquick)

*note:  I might even add another 1/2 cup of shredded cheese such as a pepper jack

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350.  Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.  Use an small cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the sausage balls to about a ping pong size.  Place on baking sheet and bake for 15-17 minutes until cooked through.  You can freeze them uncooked for later and cook from frozen just a couple minutes longer or thaw overnight before cooking.  Or you can cook them and freeze.  And, I enjoy a sauce for dipping.  Option:  Mix a pepper jelly with a teaspoon or two of dijon mustard.  Warm slightly in microwave.  The acidity of the mustard helps cut through the richness of the sausage and cheese.