Sausage, Cheese and Polenta Cake Bites

Hey everyone!  Hoping you all had a fantastic holiday with family and friends!  I spent Christmas Eve and Christmas day with my husband’s family -- lots of people and new babies to get excited about! {Kinda gave me some baby fever but it usually fades quickly...phew.}  Now we are here spending time with my family, friends and dogs.  Of course now I’m looking forward to New Years Eve -- an evening that’s usually packed with delish party food and champagne.  This little bite is perfect for your New Year’s Eve Celebration -- decadent with pimento cheese and smoked sausage.  It’s also a great way to bring the South into your party...as all of these ingredients are traditionally Southern.  And remember that these polenta bases are the perfect vehicle for many appetizers -- just like a cracker!  

Sausage, Cheese and Polenta Cake Bites

1 log premade polenta, sliced into 1/4 inch thick round {you can find this in the refrigerated produce section}

2 tbsp EVOO

1 package smoked sausage, sliced

4 heaping tbsp red pepper jelly

1 tub premade pimento cheese, or use our recipe here

finely chopped chives for garnish

1. Heat EVOO in a large frying pan over medium high heat.  Place sliced polenta in pan and fry each side until browned and crispy, about 5 minutes per side.  Remove polenta from pan to paper towel lined plates.
2. Place sliced sausage in hot pan and saute until the edges start to brown.  Remove pan from heat and add red pepper jelly, allowing it to melt over the sausage, stirring to coat.
3. Assemble bites:  spread each polenta round with pimento cheese and top with a sausage slice.  Sprinkle with chives and serve immediately.