1 pound ground turkey sausage or beef sausage (zesty or spicy flavor preferred)
2 cups all purpose baking mix (such as Bisquick)
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies, very well drained
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier after your Christmas festivities.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the raw ground turkey or beef sausage, the softened cream cheese, and the shredded cheddar cheese. Use a hand mixer on low speed or a sturdy wooden spoon to blend these together until they are well incorporated and the mixture is relatively smooth.
Add the well-drained diced tomatoes and green chilies, garlic powder, and onion powder to the bowl. Stir gently to distribute the tomatoes evenly throughout the meat and cheese mixture, ensuring every ball will have that signature flavor.
Slowly add the baking mix into the bowl. Mix until a soft dough forms. You may need to use your hands toward the end to ensure all the dry mix is fully incorporated into the sausage and cheese base without overworking the dough.
Scoop about one tablespoon of the mixture at a time and roll it between your palms to form a ball roughly one inch in diameter. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart as they do not spread much during baking.
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You will know they are done when the bottoms are lightly browned and the tops have a beautiful golden hue. Remove from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
