Are you tired of scrambling to make everything on time for your dinner parties? The key to a successful gathering is planning ahead, and that includes preparing some dishes in advance. One crowd-pleaser that you can make ahead of time is sausage balls.
But, can you really make sausage balls ahead of time? Absolutely! Not only will it save you time on the day of the event, but it will also ensure that you have a delicious appetizer ready to go.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about making sausage balls ahead of time, including the best methods for storing and reheating them.
Table of Contents
What Are Sausage Balls
Sausage balls are a mouthwatering combination of sausage, cheese, and a few basic ingredients. Typically, breakfast sausage is used as the main ingredient, but some variations use fresh chorizo or other types of sausage.
To hold everything together, a binder made from flour, baking soda, and butter is added. Bisquick is a popular choice for this step as it contains both flour and leavening agents in one convenient mix.
To give the sausage balls an extra kick of flavor, cheese is added. While cheddar is the most common type of cheese used, any hard cheese can work depending on your personal taste. From Parmesan to Swiss, the possibilities are endless.
In fact, using Swiss cheese with fresh bratwurst can create a delicious combination of flavors that you won’t want to miss.
Where Did Sausage Balls Come From
Despite being a beloved snack for many, the origins of sausage balls are shrouded in mystery. Some sources trace the recipe back to a Maine publication from the 1830s.
In this recipe, an anonymous cook frustrated with the tedious process of stuffing sausage in casing suggested rolling it in flour and cooking it up. The recipe was titled “sausage balls,” which could be the first known instance of this dish.
Others claim that the recipe was created by the makers of Bisquick in the 1930s when they created their famous biscuit mix. However, there’s no concrete evidence to support this claim.
Even Betty Crocker, who is synonymous with the sausage ball recipe due to the use of Bisquick in the dish, doesn’t have any information on the history of the recipe.
Despite the lack of concrete evidence, it’s clear that sausage balls have been a favorite snack for generations.
The dish has been adapted and personalized by cooks all over the world, with various spices and cheeses used to create unique flavor combinations.
Preparing Sausage Balls in Advance
Making sausage balls ahead of time is a straightforward process. You can make them up to 2 days in advance, which means you can cross one dish off your to-do list before the big day.
To make sausage balls, you’ll need sausage, cheese, and a binder (usually Bisquick or flour). Simply mix these ingredients together in a bowl, form the mixture into balls, and bake them in the oven.
Once the sausage balls are cooked, let them cool completely before storing them. This will prevent them from getting soggy or losing their shape.
How to Store Sausage Balls: Keeping Them Fresh and Tasty
We’ll go over everything you need to know about storing sausage balls. From refrigeration to freezing, we’ll cover all the bases to make sure your sausage balls stay fresh and tasty.
Can Sausage Balls Chill Out in the Fridge?
Absolutely! Leaving sausage balls at room temperature for too long can cause harmful bacteria to develop, making them unsafe to eat.
As soon as your sausage balls have cooled down, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate them.
Discover the Shelf Life of Sausage Balls in Your Fridge
When stored properly in an airtight container, sausage balls can last up to four days in the refrigerator.
To ensure they stay fresh, it’s best not to keep them in the fridge for more than a week.
Can You Freeze Sausage Balls?
Yes, you can! Freezing sausage balls is a great way to preserve their flavor and texture for even longer periods of time.
To freeze your sausage balls, make sure they are completely cooled down first.
How to Freeze Sausage Balls?
Before freezing your sausage balls, make sure to space them out on a baking sheet, leaving at least half an inch of space between each ball. This will help prevent them from sticking together.
Once they’re frozen, pack them into a zip-lock bag or freezer-safe container and store them in the freezer.
Reheating Sausage Balls
When you’re ready to serve the sausage balls, there are a few methods for reheating them. The best method will depend on your personal preference and the equipment you have available.
Microwave: Place the sausage balls on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until heated through.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the sausage balls on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until heated through.
Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place the sausage balls in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Delicious Dip Options to Try with Your Sausage Balls
Beer Cheese Dip
If you’re looking for a rich and creamy dip that pairs perfectly with sausage balls, then look no further than beer cheese dip. This family recipe is a crowd-pleaser, and the sharpness of the cheese complements the savory sausage perfectly. Plus, the addition of beer gives the dip a unique flavor that sets it apart from other dips.
Honey Mustard
For a tangy and slightly sweet dip, try honey mustard. This classic dipping sauce is a crowd favorite and adds a nice balance to the savory sausage. It’s also super easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.
Spicy Ketchup
If you like a little heat, then try dipping your sausage balls in spicy ketchup. This dip is easy to make by mixing ketchup with your favorite hot sauce. It’s a simple yet delicious way to add some spice to your party spread.
Fruit-Based Sauce
For a unique twist, consider a fruit-based sauce like apricot or peach. These dips add a touch of sweetness that complements the sausage balls nicely. Plus, they’re a healthier option if you’re looking to balance out the savory flavors.
Remoulade
If you’ve made your sausage balls with chorizo or andouille, then remoulade is the perfect dip. This classic Louisiana sauce is made with mayo, mustard, and spices, and it’s the perfect accompaniment to the spicy sausage.
Sausage Gravy
For a breakfast or brunch gathering, consider serving your sausage balls with sausage gravy. This creamy and savory dip is reminiscent of biscuits and gravy and pairs perfectly with the sausage balls. You could even turn these sausage balls into a breakfast sandwich by adding gravy and some cheese.
Conclusion
Making sausage balls ahead of time is a great way to save time and impress your guests. By following these tips for prepping, storing, and reheating, you can ensure that your sausage balls remain just as delicious as the day you made them.
So go ahead and enjoy your perfectly crispy and chewy sausage balls, any time of the day!
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