Baked Italian Sausage and Smoked Gouda Meatballs

Steps

• 1

  Heat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease bottom and sides of 15x10x1-inch pan. Place cheese cubes in resealable food-storage plastic bag; place in freezer 30 minutes.
• 2

  In large bowl, stir together sausage, 1/4 cup of the bread crumbs, the Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of the basil, the egg, garlic powder, salt and chile flakes; mix well. Cover and refrigerate while cheese is in freezer. In shallow dish, mix remaining 1/2 cup bread crumbs and the melted butter.
• 3

  Shape sausage mixture into about 26 (1 1/4-inch) balls. Working with one ball at a time, make small indentation in center, and insert cheese cube. Close ball around cheese; roll in bread crumbs, and place in pan. Repeat for remaining balls.
• 4

  Bake sausage balls 18 to 20 minutes or until meat thermometer inserted in center of ball reads 165°F. Meanwhile, heat pasta sauce in 1- or 2-quart saucepan over medium heat 6 to 8 minutes or until just starting to simmer. Stir in remaining 1/4 cup basil. Serve meatballs warm with pasta sauce for dipping.