How to Keep Sausage Balls Warm for a Party: 7 Easy Tips

Sausage balls are a classic party appetizer in the South. They are flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for snacking. The only downside is that they are best served warm right out of the oven. Once they cool down, the texture just isn’t quite as good.

So how do you keep those tasty sausage balls warm when you have to transport them to a party or hold them for any length of time before guests arrive? I’ve got 7 simple tips and tricks to keep your sausage balls piping hot and delicious right up until the last bite

Why Serving Them Warm Matters

The wonderful thing about sausage balls is that they have a soft, melt in your mouth texture when they are fresh from the oven. Once cooled, they tend to get a bit dense and chewy. Reheating them helps, but they still won’t be quite as good as when first baked.

That’s why you want to serve your sausage balls warm if at all possible Your guests will rave over how moist and delicious they are Taking a few easy steps to hold them at temperature makes all the difference,

Tips to Keep Sausage Balls Warm

1. Transport in an Insulated Container

If you need to drive your sausage balls to a party, use an insulated food carrier or cooler to keep them warm longer. Place the container near the oven so it preheats as the sausage balls bake.

Once they come out of the oven, quickly transfer them into the insulated carrier. Try to keep the lid closed during transport to retain heat. This trick can hold them for up to 2 hours.

2. Use a Chafing Dish

Chafing dishes are designed to keep food warm for buffet service. Place a sterno below the water pan and your sausage balls on the top rack. This setup can hold appetizers for 4 hours or more.

For smaller needs, a mini chafing dish works well. They take up less space and hold a couple dozen balls to feed 8-10 people.

3. Slow Cooker

A slow cooker set on warm is ideal for holding already cooked sausage balls. Grease the interior and add your piping hot sausage balls immediately after baking.

Keep the lid on and they will stay warm for hours. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.

4. Oven on Warm Setting

Today’s ovens often have a warm or hold setting around 170°F. You can hold sausage balls for 1-2 hours in a warm oven.

Place them in an oven-safe dish, tent with foil, and put them in the oven. Check periodically and stir the balls around to redistribute heat.

5. Reheat Right Before Serving

Pre-made sausage balls can be frozen, then reheated right before guests arrive. Thaw completely first, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Microwave reheating works for smaller batches. Place a few balls on a paper towel and microwave in 30 second intervals until hot.

6. Use a Crockpot

A crockpot is useful for both holding warm sausage balls and reheating chilled ones. For already cooked balls, add a bit of water to the base and set to warm.

To reheat frozen balls, run the crockpot on low, stirring occasionally, until fully heated through. Avoid overcrowding for even heating.

7. Sternos

Individual sterno cans are an inexpensive way to provide on-the-spot heat. Place a small disposable pan on top of the lit sterno and add your sausage balls.

Sternos like those made by SternoPro will keep foods hot for over 2 hours. Use 2-3 cans for a large batch. Monitor to avoid burning.

How to Make Ahead and Reheat Sausage Balls

To utilize many of these warming methods, you’ll need to pre-make sausage balls and reheat them just before serving. Here are some tips for prepare-ahead, store, freeze, and reheat sausage balls:

• Make raw sausage ball dough up to 2 days ahead. Refrigerate until ready to bake.

• Bake balls then let cool completely. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.

• Freeze raw balls by placing dough balls on a baking sheet and freezing until solid before transferring to a freezer bag.

• Thaw frozen balls completely before reheating. Reheat baked balls at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until hot throughout. Raw frozen balls require 30-40 minutes at 350°F.

• Microwave thawed balls on a paper towel in 30 second increments, checking often.

• For the crockpot, add 2 Tbsp water to prevent drying out. Set to low for 2-3 hours for frozen. Warm setting holds already heated balls.

• Check temperature before serving. Reheated sausage balls should reach 165°F internally.

Tips for the Best Sausage Balls

While reheating tricks are key, you also want to start with delicious homemade sausage balls. Here are a few tips:

• Use a 50/50 mix of ground sausage and shredded cheddar cheese. Avoid pre-shredded cheese which has anti-caking agents.

• Add 2 cups Bisquick and 1/4 to 1/3 cup milk to help bind.

• Use frozen grated cheese to help keep the balls firm. Thaw before mixing.

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling into balls for firmness.

• Shape evenly into 1-inch balls and arrange on a baking sheet without overcrowding.

• Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until browned and cooked through.

• Let cool 5 minutes before removing from the pan. Serve warm.

Party-Ready Sausage Balls

With a bit of advance preparation and these simple warming methods, you can ensure your sausage balls are served fresh, moist, and hot at your next event.

It does take some effort, but your guests will thank you when they bite into the incredible texture of perfectly warm sausage balls! Now that you know how to keep them at temperature, this classic appetizer can shine at parties big and small.