Can You Keep Sausage Balls Warm in a Crock Pot? The Ultimate Guide

Sausage balls are a beloved appetizer in the American South and beyond These savory, cheesy bites are a cinch to whip up and are perfect for parties and game day get-togethers But keeping sausage balls warm once they are made can be a challenge. This is where the trusty crock pot comes in handy!

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about keeping sausage balls warm in a crock pot. We’ll discuss the benefits of using a crock pot, how to prepare the sausage balls, tips for optimal heating, recommended crock pot settings, and more

Why Use a Crock Pot to Keep Sausage Balls Warm?

A crock pot, also known as a slow cooker, is ideal for keeping appetizers like sausage balls warm over a long period of time. Here are some of the key benefits of using a crock pot:

• Consistent warming: The crock pot provides steady, even heat at a low temperature which is perfect for keeping sausage balls at ideal serving temperature.

• No drying or burning: The moist environment of the crock pot prevents sausage balls from drying out or burning.

• Frees up oven space: You can free up precious oven space by using the crock pot to keep appetizers warm.

• Allows advance prep: You can prep sausage balls in advance and keep them warm in the crock pot for hours before guests arrive.

• Simplifies serving: Keeping sausage balls warm in a crock pot allows for easy self-serve access at parties.

• Maintains freshness: The gentle heat keeps sausage balls tasting fresh, not soggy or overcooked.

How to Prepare Sausage Balls for the Crock Pot

To ensure your sausage balls heat evenly and absorb moisture in the crock pot, there are a few preparation tips to follow:

• Partially pre-cook the sausage balls by baking or pan-frying until just cooked through, then transfer them directly into the preheated crock pot. Do not put raw sausage balls straight into the slow cooker.

• Grease the crock pot insert with cooking spray or oil before adding the sausage balls. This prevents sticking.

• Don’t overcrowd the crock pot. Leave some space around the sausage balls for even heating.

• Put a layer of paper towels on the bottom of the crock pot before adding sausage balls. The paper towels will soak up excess moisture.

Tips for Heating Sausage Balls in a Crock Pot

Follow these tips when using your crock pot to keep sausage balls appetizingly warm:

• Pre-heat the crock pot on the “Low” setting for at least 15-20 minutes before adding warm sausage balls.

• Use the “Keep Warm” setting once sausage balls are added. This prevents overcooking.

• Resist opening the lid frequently to maximize heat retention.

• Stir gently every 30 minutes or so for even heating.

• Add a splash of chicken or beef broth to add moisture if sausage balls appear dry.

• Allow 1-2 hours for thorough heating if sausage balls were refrigerated.

• Use a crock pot liner for easy clean up.

Recommended Crock Pot Settings

The optimal crock pot settings for keeping sausage balls warm without drying them out are:

• “Low” setting for 2-3 hours to fully heat refrigerated sausage balls.

• “Keep Warm” setting to maintain temperature once heated through. This prevents drying and overcooking.

• “High” can speed heating if pressed for time, but monitor closely to prevent burning.

The key is to find the lowest temperature that maintains warmth so that the sausage balls don’t dry out or become overcooked.

Choosing the Right Size Crock Pot

Picking the properly sized crock pot will ensure efficient sausage ball warming. Here are some tips:

• Allow about 2-3 sausage balls per person as an appetizer portion size.

• A 1.5-2 quart crock pot is ideal for 8-12 sausage balls.

• A 4-quart size works well for 24-36 sausage balls.

• For big game day crowds or large parties, a 6+ quart crock pot is best for keeping upward of 50 sausage balls warm.

Make sure to leave some empty space around the sausage balls for proper airflow and moisture regulation.

Serving Sausage Balls Warm from the Crock Pot

Once your sausage balls are happily simmering away in the crock pot, here are some serving ideas:

• For parties, keep the crock pot on a buffet table so guests can easily help themselves. Provide small plates and appetizer forks.

• Serve with toothpicks when hosting a more casual get-together like a game day event.

• Offer a variety of dipping sauces like barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard and cheese sauce.

• For a meal, serve the crock pot of sausage balls family-style alongside roasted potatoes and veggies.

• Pair with pickles, olives, cornbread muffins and cold beers for a delicious southern-inspired appetizer spread.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Sausage Balls

Leftover sausage balls will last 3-4 days stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Reheat them to serving temperature in the microwave, oven or crock pot:

• Microwave: Place sausage balls on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a paper towel and microwave in 30 second intervals until heated through.

• Oven: Wrap sausage balls in aluminum foil and bake at 325°F for 15-20 minutes.

• Crock Pot: Place in crock pot with a little broth and cook on “Low” setting for 1-2 hours until fully warmed.

With this definitive guide, you can confidently keep sausage balls appetizingly warm in a crock pot for your next party, game day or potluck. This tasty southern classic was made for slow, gentle warming. Your guests will love the convenience of hot sausage balls on demand with your trusty crock pot.