November 5/Sheboygan Falls, Wis. -- Johnsonville Sausage has introduced a new meat item: flavorful meatballs and sausage slices in convenience packaging that comes straight out of the freezer.

Johnsonville has developed an entirely new product line for the brand, bringing fully cooked and skillet-ready meatballs in three flavors -- and sausage slices in two flavors -- to the freezer section of grocers nationwide.

"Meatballs have been a family favorite but often are considered too time consuming to make. From the freezer to the oven, stove or even the microwave, our new meatballs and sausage slices offer our customers this popular protein in a flavorful and convenient option to enhance their pasta dishes, pizzas, sandwiches and appetizers," said Johnsonville's Valerie Zanchettin, senior brand manager.

Made with premium cuts of fresh pork and unique blends of herbs and spices, the new Johnsonville Meatballs and Sausage Slices are available in five flavors and packaged in a re-sealable zipper bag that allows for multiple uses while maintaining freshness and flavor. All five products are also free of MSG, artificial colors and flavors. The Johnsonville Sausage Slices are gluten free.

The new Johnsonville Meatballs (available in 24oz. packages/28 meatballs to a package) and Johnsonville Sausage Slices (22oz. package) retail for $7.99 and are being introduced to grocers nationwide over the next few months. The new product line includes:

• Johnsonville Classic Italian Meatballs
• Johnsonville Homestyle Meatballs
• Johnsonville Three Cheese Meatballs
• Johnsonville Mild Italian Sausage Slices
• Johnsonville Hot & Spicy Sausage Slices