Are you planning a party and wondering how to keep your sausage balls warm and fresh for your guests?
Look no further!
Sausage balls are a crowd-pleasing favorite, but keeping them warm can be a challenge. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, game day party, or holiday gathering, you want your sausage balls to be hot and delicious.
In this article, we’ll share some tips and tricks for keeping your sausage balls warm and ready to serve, so you can enjoy your party without worrying about the food.
From freezing to reheating, we’ve got you covered. So let’s get started!
How To Keep Sausage Balls Warm For Party?
One of the best ways to keep your sausage balls warm during a party is to use a slow cooker. Simply turn the slow cooker to the “warm” setting and transfer your cooked sausage balls into it. This will keep them warm without overcooking them.
Another option is to cover your sausage balls with aluminum foil or a damp towel. This will trap the steam and extend the freshness of the food, preventing it from drying out. You can also keep them in the oven as it’s cooling, but make sure you’ve opened the oven door.
If you’re making your sausage balls ahead of time, you can freeze them until you’re ready to serve. To freeze, simply place them on a baking sheet (uncooked) and freeze for at least an hour until they’re hardened. Then, transfer them to a freezer ziplock bag and label them. When you’re ready to serve, reheat them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes at 400°F or in the microwave for 3 minutes.
If you’re worried about your sausage balls not sticking together, try adding a little milk to help them hold together. Using a stand mixer can also help them hold together when forming.
Preparing Sausage Balls For A Party
When preparing sausage balls for a party, it’s important to make sure they’re cooked and ready to serve before your guests arrive. One easy way to do this is to prepare them ahead of time and freeze them until you’re ready to serve them. This will save you time and stress on the day of the party.
To prepare sausage balls for a party, start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground sausage, biscuit baking mix, and shredded cheese. Mix until well combined. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
Bake the sausage balls in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through entirely. Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
If you’re not serving the sausage balls immediately, you can keep them warm using a slow cooker or by covering them with aluminum foil or a damp towel. Simply transfer the cooked sausage balls into a slow cooker set on the “warm” setting or cover them with foil or a towel to trap the steam and keep them warm.
Another option is to keep the sausage balls in the oven as it’s cooling down. However, make sure you’ve opened the oven door to prevent overcooking.
To serve, arrange the sausage balls on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or grated cheese. Your guests will love these savory and cheesy appetizers!
Using Chafing Dishes To Keep Sausage Balls Warm
If you have a chafing dish, it can be a great way to keep your sausage balls warm and ready for your guests. Chafing dishes are designed to keep food warm for an extended period of time, making them perfect for parties and events.
To use a chafing dish with your sausage balls, start by preheating the dish. You can do this by filling the bottom of the dish with hot water and lighting the fuel source underneath. Once the water is hot, you can remove it and replace it with your sausage balls.
Make sure to cover the chafing dish with a lid or aluminum foil to keep the heat inside. This will help prevent your sausage balls from drying out and becoming cold.
You can also use a chafing dish to serve your sausage balls directly to your guests. Simply place the dish on a table or buffet and let your guests help themselves. This is a great way to keep your food warm and fresh while also making it easy for your guests to enjoy.
When using a chafing dish, it’s important to monitor the temperature of your food regularly. Make sure that the fuel source stays lit and that the water in the bottom of the dish stays hot. If you notice that your sausage balls are starting to dry out or become cold, you may need to add more hot water or adjust the fuel source.
Keeping Sausage Balls Warm In The Oven
If you prefer to keep your sausage balls warm in the oven, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you don’t overcook them. Sausage balls can dry out quickly if they’re left in the oven for too long. To prevent this, wrap them in aluminum foil or cover them with a damp towel before placing them in the oven.
Another important tip is to keep the oven door slightly open while the sausage balls are inside. This will allow moisture to escape and prevent them from becoming soggy. You can also turn the oven off and leave them inside to keep them warm until your guests arrive or you’re ready to eat.
If you’re making sausage balls ahead of time and freezing them, be sure to add 8-10 more minutes to the bake time when reheating them in the oven. This will ensure they’re heated through the center and not still frozen.
Keeping Sausage Balls Warm With A Slow Cooker
When it comes to keeping your sausage balls warm for a party, a slow cooker is a great option. Not only does it keep the food at a consistent temperature, but it also frees up space in your oven for other dishes.
To use a slow cooker, start by preheating it to the “warm” setting while your sausage balls are baking in the oven. Once they’re done, transfer them to the slow cooker and keep the lid on to retain the heat. Be sure to stir them occasionally to prevent any sticking or clumping.
If you’re worried about your sausage balls drying out in the slow cooker, place a damp paper towel at the bottom of the pot before adding the sausage balls. This will help keep them moist and fresh.
Another tip is to line your slow cooker with parchment paper or aluminum foil before adding the sausage balls. This makes clean up easier and prevents any sticking to the sides of the pot.
It’s important to note that while a slow cooker is great for keeping your sausage balls warm, it’s not ideal for reheating them. Reheating in a slow cooker can lead to overcooking and drying out of the sausage balls. Instead, use a microwave or oven to reheat any leftovers.
By using a slow cooker, you can ensure that your sausage balls are warm and ready to serve throughout your party. So go ahead and enjoy these delicious appetizers without worrying about them getting cold!
Reheating Frozen Sausage Balls For A Party
If you’ve frozen your sausage balls ahead of time and need to reheat them for a party, there are a few different methods you can use. One option is to reheat them in the oven. To do this, preheat your oven to 400°F and place your frozen sausage balls on a baking tray. Bake them for about 10 to 15 minutes or until they’re heated through. Be sure to check on them periodically so they don’t overcook.
Another option for reheating frozen sausage balls is to use a microwave. For best results, reheat no more than three sausage balls at a time. To reheat a single serving, lightly moisten a paper towel or large napkin with water and wrap one or two sausage balls in it. Heat for 5 seconds in the microwave, turn the towel packet over, and heat for another 5 seconds. For several servings, dampen a kitchen hand towel and cover a microwave-safe plate of several sausage balls. Heat for 15 seconds, turn the sausage balls with tongs, and reheat for 10 seconds.
If you have an air fryer, you can also use it to reheat your frozen sausage balls. Simply thaw them first and then cook them in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until they’re heated through.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to keep an eye on your sausage balls as they reheat to make sure they don’t overcook or dry out. Once they’re heated through, transfer them to a slow cooker set on the “warm” setting to keep them warm throughout your party.