Ella Walter
Sausage balls are a Southern tradition and a popular snack, breakfast, lunch, or dinner option. They are bite-sized snacks that are full of flavor and perfect for dipping. While they are usually baked in the oven, you may be wondering if it's possible to cook them in a crockpot or slow cooker. Well, the good news is that it can be done! Not only can you keep pre-cooked sausage balls warm in a crockpot, but you can also cook them in a slow cooker as an alternative to baking them in the oven.
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What You'll Learn
Sausage ball recipes
Sausage balls are a Southern tradition and can be made in a variety of ways. They can be made with just sausage meat, or with added cheese, ranch, and bacon. They can be cooked in an oven, a crockpot, or a slow cooker.
Oven-Baked Sausage Balls
To make sausage balls in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, add your desired amount of sausage meat, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Bisquick baking mix. Mix together until well combined. Use your hands or a stand mixer for this step.
Use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon-sized measuring spoon to scoop out even portions, then use your hands to roll the mixture into round balls. Place the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one to allow the hot air to circulate in the oven and cook them evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160°F.
Slow Cooker Sausage Balls
To make sausage balls in a slow cooker, first sear the meatballs in a skillet or pot. Place a large pot or Dutch oven on the stove over medium heat. Add the sausage balls and sear on each side for 1-2 minutes or until lightly browned. Alternatively, preheat your oven to 375°F and place the sausage balls on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes before adding them to the slow cooker.
Once the sausage balls are lightly browned, transfer them to the slow cooker and pour in your desired amount of buffalo sauce. Slow cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours.
Crockpot Sausage Balls
Sausage balls can be made ahead of time and kept warm in a crockpot. Bake the sausage balls as instructed above, then transfer them to the crockpot and turn it to the 'warm' setting. This will keep them warm during a party or gathering.
Recipe Tips
- Sausage balls can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze unbaked sausage balls, roll the mixture into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Put the baking sheet in the freezer, and once the balls are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you are ready to bake them, add a few minutes to the cooking time.
- Sausage balls can be mixed and rolled into balls ahead of time. Cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1-2 days, or add the unbaked balls to an airtight container with wax or parchment paper in between each layer to prevent sticking.
- Sausage balls are best served warm with dipping sauces such as honey mustard, spicy ranch, or BBQ sauce.
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Freezing sausage balls
Sausage balls can be frozen either cooked or uncooked. To freeze uncooked sausage balls, roll the sausage mixture into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Put the baking sheet in the freezer. Once the sausage balls are frozen, transfer them into a freezer bag. When ready to bake, place the frozen sausage balls on a baking sheet and simply add a few minutes to the cooking time.
Alternatively, you can freeze cooked sausage balls. Once they are cooled, place them in an airtight container or zip-top freezer bags and freeze for up to three months. Sausage balls can be frozen for up to six months. It is recommended to freeze them flat so they don't stick together. You can thaw them in the fridge and reheat them in the oven, microwave, or air fryer.
Some people suggest freezing uncooked sausage balls on wax paper and then transferring them to a freezer bag. This way, you can easily take out individual sausage balls as needed. Others suggest freezing the sausage balls in a single container after they have frozen individually.
Sausage balls can be made in advance and frozen unbaked for a quick snack later. They are perfect for holidays, parties, and game days.
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Reheating sausage balls
Sausage balls can be reheated in a crock pot, which is perfect for keeping them warm during a party or game-day celebration. Place a damp paper towel at the bottom of the crock pot to prevent the sausage balls from drying out as they reheat. Place the sausage balls in the crock pot and heat them on low until they are heated through. A crock pot full of sausage balls may take 2-3 hours to reheat. Once they are heated through, turn the crock pot to the "keep warm" setting.
Sausage balls can also be reheated in the oven. Wrap frozen sausage balls in aluminum foil and place them in a 350-degree oven for 20-30 minutes, depending on the number of sausage balls. Alternatively, place the sausage balls side by side (but not touching) on a baking sheet and heat them in the oven at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. Sausage balls can also be reheated in the microwave. Place a few at a time in a damp paper towel and heat them for 20-30 seconds. Check the internal temperature of the sausage balls and continue to heat them at 10-second intervals until they are heated through.
Sausage balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days or in the freezer for 2-3 weeks. They can be frozen either cooked or uncooked. To freeze uncooked sausage balls, roll the sausage mixture into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Put the baking sheet in the freezer. Once the sausage balls are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, place the frozen sausage balls on a baking sheet and add a few minutes to the cooking time.
Sausage balls can also be baked and then frozen. Allow the sausage balls to cool completely, then place them side by side (but not touching) on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer for about an hour or until frozen. Remove the frozen sausage balls from the baking sheet and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Sausage balls can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator and then reheated using one of the methods described above.
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Sausage ball dipping sauces
Sausage balls are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack or appetizer and can be paired with various dipping sauces to enhance their flavour. Here are some ideas for sausage ball dipping sauces to elevate your culinary experience:
Honey Mustard Sauce
Honey mustard sauce is a classic combination of sweet and tangy flavours that pairs perfectly with sausage balls. To make this sauce, simply mix together honey, mustard, and a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a spicier kick. This sauce is a great way to add a touch of sweetness to your sausage balls while also cutting through the richness of the meat.
Spicy Horseradish Catsup Sauce
For those who enjoy a little kick, a spicy horseradish catsup sauce is an excellent option. This sauce combines the tanginess of tomatoes with the sharp bite of horseradish, creating a bold and flavourful dipping experience. You can adjust the spiciness to your preference by adding more or less horseradish.
Creamy Mustard Sauce
If you're a fan of mustard, another variation to try is a creamy mustard sauce. Mix together yellow or Dijon mustard with a small amount of heavy cream, mayonnaise, or sour cream. You can even add a few dashes of hot sauce to make it spicier. This sauce has a smoother, richer texture that complements the sausage balls nicely.
Balsamic Dijon Sauce
For something a little different, try a balsamic Dijon sauce. This sauce combines the tang of balsamic vinegar with the sharpness of Dijon mustard, resulting in a complex and flavourful dipping sauce. Simply mix together balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and a pinch of sugar to balance the flavours.
Ranch Dressing
A classic ranch dressing is always a crowd-pleaser and pairs well with sausage balls. Its creamy texture and tangy flavour work beautifully with the meat. You can either make your own ranch dressing from scratch or use a store-bought version to save time.
Barbecue (BBQ) Sauce
Barbecue sauce is a classic condiment that goes well with sausage balls. You can opt for a traditional barbecue sauce or experiment with variations like a mustard BBQ sauce, which incorporates a sharper mustard flavour.
These are just a few suggestions, but feel free to get creative and experiment with different sauces and condiments to find your favourite combinations. Remember to consider the flavours in your sausage balls when choosing a dipping sauce to create a harmonious culinary experience.
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Sausage ball cooking times
Sausage balls are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetiser, or main course. They can be made ahead of time and kept warm in a crockpot, making them a convenient option for parties and gatherings. Here is a comprehensive guide to sausage ball cooking times:
Baking in the Oven
When baking sausage balls in the oven, it is essential to leave space between each ball on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking. The baking time varies depending on the size of the sausage balls and the oven temperature. For 1-inch balls, bake for 15 to 18 minutes at 375°F until they start to brown. Larger sausage balls may require a longer baking time of 20 to 25 minutes at 350°F until they reach an internal temperature of at least 160°F. Be careful not to overbake the sausage balls, as this will result in a dry and hard texture.
Cooking in a Slow Cooker or Crock Pot
Sausage balls can also be cooked in a slow cooker or crock pot, which is a convenient option for keeping them warm during parties or gatherings. To cook in a slow cooker, you can either sear the sausage balls in a pot or oven first or add them directly to the slow cooker. If searing, cook each side for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned, then transfer to the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours. If using a crock pot, heat on low until the sausage balls are heated through, which may take 2-3 hours.
Reheating and Storage
Sausage balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. They can also be frozen unbaked for up to 4-6 months. To reheat, place the sausage balls in a crock pot and set it to low or keep warm. If reheating a large batch, it is recommended to use an oven to ensure even heating.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cook sausage balls in a crock pot. However, it is recommended to sear the sausage balls in a skillet or in the oven first, and then add them to the slow cooker.
Depending on the crock pot setting, sausage balls can take anywhere from 1-2 hours on high heat to 3-4 hours on low heat to cook thoroughly.
Yes, you can cook frozen sausage balls in a crock pot. It is recommended to thaw them overnight in the fridge before cooking.
