How Long Will Sausage Balls Keep in the Refrigerator?

Sausage balls are a beloved Southern appetizer combining spicy sausage creamy cheese, and biscuit dough into bite-sized perfection. Their portability makes them ideal for potlucks and parties. But what if you end up with leftovers? How long do sausage balls last in the fridge?

With proper storage, both raw and cooked sausage balls can keep for several days in the refrigerator. Follow these guidelines for maximizing their shelf life and enjoying delicious sausage balls when a craving strikes.

How Long Do Raw Sausage Balls Last in the Fridge?

If preparing sausage balls in advance, you’ll likely have some raw dough balls that are prepped but not yet baked. Follow these tips for storing them:

• Place raw sausage balls on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper Make sure they are not touching

• Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.

• For longer storage, place balls on a pan and flash freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.

• Raw sausage balls will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.

Storing the raw dough in the refrigerator preserves freshness and prevents the fat in the sausage from going rancid too quickly. Raw balls kept longer than 2 days may develop an off flavor.

How Long Do Cooked Sausage Balls Last?

Once baked to golden perfection, sausage balls stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored properly:

• Allow sausage balls to cool completely after baking, about 30 minutes.

• Place in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Make sure there is no air trapped inside.

• Refrigerate cooked sausage balls for up to 4 days.

• For longer storage, freeze cooked balls in a single layer on a pan until solid, about 2 hours. Transfer to bags or containers.

• Cooked sausage balls stay fresh in the freezer for 2-3 months. Reheat directly from frozen.

The cheese and fat content make these appetizers prone to quick spoilage if left at room temperature too long. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.

Tips for Extending Refrigerator Life

Follow these tips to get the maximum mileage from your sausage balls:

• Let cool before storing. Allowing sausage balls to cool prevents condensation that can lead to sogginess.

• Use freezer-safe packaging. Choose bags and containers meant for freezing to prevent freezer burn.

• Portion into single servings. Freeze balls in individual serving sizes for easy reheating later.

• Label and date. Note contents and storage date to track freshness. Use oldest balls first.

• Turn over containers. Rotate inventory so oldest is most accessible. Use a permanent marker to date lids.

• Keep cold. Refrigerate promptly after baking and avoid leaving out more than 2 hours.

• No nibbling. Don’t eat straight from the container, as double-dipping introduces bacteria.

Following proper refrigeration and freezing guidelines allows you to keep a stash of sausage balls on hand for up to several months.

How to Tell If Sausage Balls Have Gone Bad

Sausage balls that have been improperly stored can spoil quicker. Watch for these signs they’ve gone bad:

• Mold growth
• Slimy texture or film on surface
• Discoloration or grayish tint
• Off or sour smell
• Unusual softness or dry, cracked appearance

Discard any sausage balls displaying these signs of spoilage. Do not taste questionable balls, as consuming spoiled food can cause illness.

Sausage balls stored too long may also simply dry out. While technically still safe to eat, the texture and flavor will be inferior. For best quality, use refrigerated balls within 4 days and frozen within 2-3 months.

Freezing and Thawing Sausage Balls

Freezing is ideal for storing a big batch of sausage balls long term. Here are some freezing tips:

• Flash freeze. Freeze raw dough balls or cooked balls on a pan before transferring to airtight bags or containers.

• Exclude air. Compress storage bag to remove excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn.

• Thaw overnight. Move frozen balls to the fridge to thaw gradually. Don’t thaw at room temperature.

• Reheat gently. Microwave thawed sausage balls on 50% power or bake at 300°F to restore crispy texture.

With freezing, you can keep a stash of ready-to-bake sausage balls for those times you need an easy appetizer in a hurry.

Can You Refrigerate Different Types of Sausage Balls?

While traditional sausage balls contain pork breakfast sausage, you can find creative recipes incorporating:

• Chicken, turkey, beef, or plant-based sausage
• Cheese alternatives like cream cheese or goat cheese
• Herbs, spices, roasted veggies, etc.

The same refrigeration guidelines apply. Store any raw or cooked sausage ball variety for up to 2-4 days max in the fridge. Prepared meatballs without cheese may have a slightly shorter fridge life of just 2-3 days.

Storing Sausage Balls for a Party

When making sausage balls for a get-together, follow these serving tips:

• Prepare balls within 1-2 days of the event for freshness.

• Cook only what you’ll serve to avoid waste. Freeze the rest of dough.

• Keep hot sausage balls in a 200°F oven or warming tray for serving.

• For a cold spread, store cooked balls layered between paper towels.

• Set out in smaller batches, refilling as needed. Don’t let sit room temp over 2 hours.

• Label ingredients for guests with allergies or dietary needs.

With smart planning, you can enjoy perfect sausage balls at your next party while minimizing the risks of foodborne illness.

Enjoy Fresh, Delicious Sausage Balls

With proper refrigeration and freezing, you can keep sausage balls on hand for instant appetizer needs. Follow these guidelines:

• Raw sausage balls: 2 days in fridge, 2-3 months in freezer
• Cooked sausage balls: 3-4 days in fridge, 2-3 months in freezer

Monitor for signs of spoilage like mold or an off smell. Discard any questionable balls.

Storing in appropriate conditions preserves the delicious flavor and texture. Now you can whip up a big batch and have sausage balls ready when guests stop by or a snack attack strikes!