Cheddar Hot Sausage Balls

Makes 24 – 30

Ingredients:

1 16 oz package Jimmy Dean Hot Sausage
2 C shredded sharp cheddar (Don’t pack, just let it pile softly)
½ C all-purpose flour
1 ½ t paprika
½ t + cayenne pepper
½ t white pepper
1 t kosher salt
3 T heavy cream
Handful finely chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
¼ C sweet white onion, diced finely
2 large garlic cloves chopped finely

Direction:

• Add the grated cheese to a bowl containing the flour, paprika, cayenne (use based on your desire for heat), salt and pepper. Toss to cover the cheese and mix the spices.
• In another bowl combine the sausage, parsley, onion, and garlic. Combine well. Add the cheese/flour mixture to the sausage mixture and then add the cream. Blend VERY well, using hands to combine thoroughly and adding a touch more cream if needed.
• Create small 1 ½” diameter balls using a small melon scoop and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Should make about 24 – 30 sausage balls. Bake in a 400 degree F oven for about 20 minutes, until cheese is bubbling. You can make these large and cook for about 5 minutes longer. They cook fast!
• Serve!
• (IDEAS!: Make these for the holidays by adding ½ C granny smith apple chunks and a  handful golden raisins instead of onion and garlic and add a bit of fresh thyme instead of parsley. Use mild sausage for less heat.)