Adding a little rosemary to these Bisquick sausage balls makes all the difference in how good they taste. Plus, adding some milk means they’re never dry and they always stick together perfectly.
I think these sausage balls are one of the tastiest appetizers I’ve ever had! They are so flavorful, and the rosemary is a beautiful touch that takes them to the next level. Honestly, I think it’s the ingredient that completes this recipe.
If you’ve never had sausage balls before, they taste like the best of both worlds: sausage and biscuits mixed together. After that there are times when cheese melts. I don’t know about you, but I think cheese melts make almost everything better.
Sometimes I think of this recipe as a Christmas appetizer, but I make them all year because they’re so quick and easy and everyone loves them. This recipe is definitely worth trying, and I’m sure everyone will love your new holiday appetizer!.
The best sausage balls are made with Bisquick and milk. They’re never dry and always stick together perfectly.
*It’s important to use freshly shredded cheese because anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese can make the balls not stick together.
Sausage balls are a classic crowd-pleasing appetizer but keeping them hot and delicious for a party can be tricky. As they sit out they quickly become cold and unappetizing. No one wants to bite into a limp, soggy sausage ball! That’s where your trusty crockpot comes in. Using a crockpot is the perfect way to keep sausage balls warm and tasty for hours.
The consistent gentle heat of the crockpot keeps sausage balls at an ideal serving temperature without drying them out. And it couldn’t be easier – simply prepare the sausage balls ahead of time transfer them to the crockpot before guests arrive, and enjoy piping hot sausage balls with no effort!
Here is a complete guide to using a crockpot to keep sausage balls warm for parties, game days potlucks and more.
Benefits of a Crockpot for Sausage Balls
Heating sausage balls in a slow cooker offers several advantages:
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Don’t watch a hot stove or oven; just set it and forget it. Prepare ahead, then relax and socialize.
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Heat that stays the same—A crockpot keeps the temperature better than an oven, so the balls stay hot all the way through.
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No drying out – The moist environment prevents sausage balls from becoming dried out.
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Save oven space – Allows oven to be used for other dishes instead of warming.
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Portability – Easily transport and serve sausage balls at potlucks and tailgates.
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Food safety – Warm setting prevents overcooking that can make sausage balls rubbery.
Tips for Heating Sausage Balls in a Crockpot
Follow these handy tips when using a slow cooker to keep sausage balls warm:
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Always start with fully cooked sausage balls – raw meat should never go straight into the crockpot.
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Cut balls in half so they heat through more quickly. Whole balls may stay cold in the middle.
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Grease crockpot insert first to prevent sticking. Nonstick spray or oil work well.
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Place balls in an even layer, not stacked, so they heat evenly. Stir periodically.
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Keep lid off or cracked open to allow moisture to escape and prevent sogginess.
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Use plastic or wooden utensils to avoid scratching ceramic insert when stirring.
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Set crockpot to lowest temperature, usually “warm” or around 170°F.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Crockpot
Follow these easy steps for hot, delicious sausage balls every time:
1. Prepare the Sausage Balls
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Make sausage balls up to 2 days in advance. Store cooked balls in refrigerator until ready to warm.
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Let sausage balls come to room temperature before placing in crockpot so they don’t lower the temperature too much.
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Cut each ball in half before putting in crockpot. Smaller size = faster reheating.
2. Prepare the Crockpot
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Grease inside of crockpot with nonstick spray or oil to prevent sticking.
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Make sure crockpot insert is secured in heating base. Select “warm” setting to preheat.
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Allow crockpot to preheat for at least 15 minutes before adding sausage balls.
3. Add and Heat Balls
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Carefully place halved sausage balls in preheated crockpot. Do not overcrowd.
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Keep lid ajar or remove completely to allow moisture to escape.
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Stir thoroughly every 20-30 minutes for even heating and prevent clumping.
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Use food thermometer to ensure temperature stays below 140°F.
4. Serve and Store
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Use plastic tongs or spoons to transfer hot balls directly to a serving platter or plates.
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Turn off and unplug crockpot once empty. Allow to fully cool before washing insert.
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Refrigerate any leftover sausage balls within 2 hours and reheat within 3-4 days.
Keeping Sausage Balls Crispy in the Crockpot
The key to maintaining crispy, golden-brown sausage balls in a crockpot is allowing moisture to escape. Here are some tips and tricks:
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Let sausage balls cool completely after baking before adding to crockpot. This prevents excess moisture.
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Place a paper towel or napkin in bottom of crockpot to absorb grease and moisture. Replace as needed.
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Use a wire metal steaming rack or grill plate insert to elevate balls off bottom.
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Leave the lid ajar or remove it entirely to maintain airflow.
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Stir the balls and change out the paper towel lining every 20 minutes.
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Right before serving, transfer sausage balls to a baking sheet and broil 1-2 minutes to recrisp.
Serving Warm Sausage Balls From a Crockpot
A crockpot set on a buffet table makes it easy for guests to help themselves to hot, delicious sausage balls anytime. Here are some fun serving ideas:
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Provide plastic swords or decorative toothpicks so guests can spear their own balls.
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Offer a variety of dipping sauces like ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard or ranch.
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Set out mini buns, biscuits or slider rolls and make mini sausage sandwiches.
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Skewer cheese cubes or pineapple chunks between sausage balls for tasty “meatball” kabobs.
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Add a bowl of bacon crumbles, grated cheese or chives for DIY sausage ball topping bars.
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Make an interactive sausage ball nacho bar with tortilla chips, salsa and taco toppings.
FAQs About Heating Sausage Balls in a Crockpot
Should sausage balls be cooked before putting in the crockpot?
Yes, only fully cooked sausage balls should go in the crockpot. Raw sausage can harbor dangerous bacteria. Always bake first.
Can you reheat frozen sausage balls in a crockpot?
It’s best not to reheat frozen sausage balls in a crockpot. Use the oven or microwave instead. Slow cookers may not heat frozen balls fast enough.
How long can you keep sausage balls warm in a crockpot?
Cooked sausage balls will stay hot and safe in a crockpot on “warm” for 3-4 hours. Check the temperature with a thermometer to ensure it stays below 140°F.
Is it okay to cook sausage balls in a crockpot?
No, don’t cook raw sausage balls in a crockpot. Bacteria can survive due to inconsistent heat distribution. Always bake sausage balls first, then use a crockpot to keep warm.
What temperature should you keep sausage balls at for a party?
The ideal serving temperature for hot sausage balls is between 135°F and 165°F. Once they drop below 135°F, bacteria can start to grow.
Keep the Party Going with Warm Sausage Balls
A crockpot is a party host’s secret weapon, allowing you to set tasty sausage balls out ahead of time without having to man a hot stove or oven all night. Your guests will love being able to grab hot, delicious sausage balls any time their appetite strikes. With the right techniques, you can keep the crowd satisfied with warm, juicy sausage bites from appetizers through dessert.
How Do You Keep Them Warm?
The easiest way to keep them warm is to keep in your crockpot on the “keep warm” setting. I wouldn’t leave them in the slow cooker on high or low because the extra heat will dry them out.
Why Are They Dry?
Too much baking mix will make your sausage balls dry if you use it instead of sausage. With the amounts given in this recipe, that won’t happen, but if you add too much Bisquick by accident, try adding a little more milk to make up for it.