Patriots Game Snack No. 5: Savory Little Sausage Bites

Found this wicked e-z to make treat in a Sunday paper supplement about three years ago, and it's still in Game Day Rotation!

Apparently, this is a classic Southern appetizer and is considered a staple at {now socially distanced} holiday gatherings. There are only four basic already-in-your-pantry ingredients and we're big fans of simplicity so here ya go...

Southern Sausage Balls:

-- 1 pound ground sausage (You can get a little creative here and use whatever kind you like: mix up 1/2 lb. ground chorizo with 1/2 lb. ground beef, or your favorite ground Italian sausages work just as well, too, sweet or spicy, whatever you prefer, ain't nothin' to get hung about as they say...)

-- 3 cups of biscuit baking mix, like Bisquick

-- 1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated (and yes, it does indeed make a world of difference!)

-- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

That's it! Preheat your oven to 375. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients, mixing well with your freshly washed hands. Form the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray; put the formed sausage balls on it, keeping them apart like you would if you were making cookies

Bake in the oven 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown

These are fantastic just as is, though we wouldn't shake our finger at you if you decide to opt for some kinda dipping sauce to go along with 'em. You're gonna be quite surprised at how tasty these are. Don't expect any leftovers.