Sausage balls are a classic appetizer that are perfect for any occasion. But, if you’ve ever made them before, you know that getting them to cook evenly can be a challenge.
One of the most common problems is burning on the bottom, leaving you with a less-than-perfect result. But fear not! In this article, we’ll share some tips and tricks to help you keep your sausage balls from burning on the bottom and ensure that they come out perfectly every time.
So, let’s get started!
How To Keep Sausage Balls From Burning On The Bottom?
There are a few things you can do to prevent your sausage balls from burning on the bottom. Here are some tips:
1. Adjust the temperature: If you find that your sausage balls are burning on the bottom, it could be because your oven temperature is too high. Try lowering the temperature by 25 degrees and see if that helps.
2. Raise the rack: Another reason your sausage balls may be burning on the bottom is because they are too close to the heat source. Try raising the rack in your oven so that the sausage balls are in the middle of the oven. This will help them cook more evenly.
3. Use parchment paper: To prevent sticking and burning, try lining your baking sheet with parchment paper. This will create a barrier between the sausage balls and the pan, preventing them from sticking and burning.
4. Use a slow cooker: If you’re serving your sausage balls at a party or potluck, consider using a slow cooker to keep them warm. Set the slow cooker to “warm” before you begin baking, then drop the hot, fresh-out-of-the-oven balls inside. Put a few layers of paper towels in the Crockpot if your sausage is a little oily.
5. Monitor the temperature: Because we are utilizing raw pork, it’s important to take all necessary precautions when handling it. Before removing your sausage balls from the oven, make sure they are 160 degrees Fahrenheit, especially if you made them from frozen. By turning brown on the outside before they’re finished in the middle, they’ll trick you!
Preheat Your Oven Correctly
Preheating your oven correctly is essential when making sausage balls to prevent them from burning on the bottom. Here are some tips to follow:
1. Set a timer: Preheat your oven for at least 30 minutes before you start baking. This will ensure that the oven is fully heated and ready to go. Don’t rely on the beep of your oven to tell you when it’s ready. Set a timer for 30 minutes to be sure.
2. Use an oven thermometer: To ensure that your oven is at the correct temperature, use an oven thermometer. This will help you avoid any hot spots or uneven heating in your oven.
3. Adjust the temperature: Depending on your oven, you may need to adjust the temperature slightly to prevent burning on the bottom. If you find that your sausage balls are burning, try lowering the temperature by 25 degrees.
4. Use a baking sheet with low sides: A baking sheet with low sides will allow for better air circulation around the sausage balls, preventing them from becoming soggy on the bottom.
5. Don’t overcrowd the pan: Make sure to leave enough space between each sausage ball on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and burning on the bottom.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your sausage balls come out perfectly cooked and without any burnt bottoms.
Use Parchment Paper Or Non-Stick Spray
One of the best ways to prevent your sausage balls from burning on the bottom is to use parchment paper or non-stick cooking spray. If you choose to use parchment paper, make sure it’s designed for high-heat cooking and won’t catch fire in your oven. Simply line your baking sheet with the parchment paper before placing your sausage balls on top. This will create a barrier between the sausage balls and the pan, preventing them from sticking and burning.
Alternatively, you can use non-stick cooking spray to coat your baking sheet before placing your sausage balls on top. This will also prevent sticking and burning, and make clean-up a breeze. Make sure to spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray as well to prevent the dough from sticking to your hands when forming the balls.
By using parchment paper or non-stick cooking spray, you’ll ensure that your sausage balls cook evenly and don’t burn on the bottom. This will result in a delicious, savory appetizer that everyone will love.
Don’t Overcrowd Your Baking Sheet
When making sausage balls, it’s important to avoid overcrowding your baking sheet. If you try to fit too many balls onto one sheet, they may end up touching each other and not cooking evenly. This can result in some balls being overcooked on the bottom while others are undercooked on the top.
To prevent this, it’s best to use two baking sheets and space the sausage balls out evenly. Give them a little room to grow so don’t put them right near each other. This will allow the heat to circulate around each ball, ensuring that they cook evenly and don’t burn on the bottom.
Additionally, if you’re making a large batch of sausage balls, you may need to bake them in multiple batches. This will ensure that each batch has enough space to cook properly and won’t be overcrowded on the baking sheet.
By following these tips and avoiding overcrowding your baking sheet, you can ensure that your sausage balls cook evenly and don’t burn on the bottom.
Flip The Sausage Balls Halfway Through Cooking
One crucial step in preventing your sausage balls from burning on the bottom is to flip them halfway through cooking. This will help ensure that they cook evenly on all sides, preventing one side from getting too crispy or burnt.
To flip your sausage balls, use a pair of tongs or a spatula to carefully turn them over once they have cooked for half of the recommended time. For example, if the recipe calls for baking the sausage balls for 20 minutes, flip them over after 10 minutes.
If you’re using an air fryer, you can also flip the sausage balls halfway through cooking by shaking the basket or using a fork to turn them over.
By flipping your sausage balls halfway through cooking, you’ll ensure that they cook evenly and come out perfectly browned and delicious. So don’t forget this important step in making the perfect sausage balls!
Adjust The Cooking Time And Temperature As Needed
One of the most important things to keep in mind when making sausage balls is that every oven is different. Even if you follow a recipe exactly, your sausage balls may still burn on the bottom if your oven temperature is too high or if they are too close to the heat source. Therefore, it’s important to adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed.
If you find that your sausage balls are getting burned on the bottom, try lowering the temperature by 25 degrees and see if that helps. You can also try placing your pan closer to the burners to hasten the bottom’s heating. On the other hand, if your sausage balls are not cooking evenly, you may need to raise the rack in your oven so that they are in the center of the oven. This will help them bake evenly with a golden top and a brownish bottom.
It’s also important to monitor the temperature of your sausage balls while they’re cooking. Because we are using raw pork, it’s crucial to make sure they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit before serving. This is especially important if you made them from frozen, as they may take longer to cook.
