Coon Balls Recipe

Jennifer Segal

14 Oct, 2023

Master the art of making delicious Coon Balls with our step-by-step recipe. Perfect for parties and gatherings. Try it today!

Coon Balls

Publisher: Lofty Recipes
Cuisine: American
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 25 Coon Balls
Calories: 70 calories

About this recipe

Coon Balls are a beloved snack or appetizer, often enjoyed at gatherings, parties, and potlucks. This classic dish is simple yet incredibly satisfying.

The recipe typically consists of ground sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and seasonings like salt and pepper. Some variations also include a touch of heat with crushed red pepper flakes.

To prepare Coon Balls, you mix these ingredients into a dough, form them into small, bite-sized balls, and bake until they're golden brown and cooked through.

The final result is a delightful combination of savory, meaty sausage and creamy, melted cheese, encased in a crispy exterior. The versatility of this dish allows you to customize it to your taste, whether you prefer a mild or spicy version.

Coon Balls are not only delicious but also convenient. They can be made in advance, frozen for later use, and served with a variety of dipping sauces. Their warm, comforting, and crowd-pleasing nature has made them a cherished classic in American cuisine.

Recipe origin and background

The exact origin of the Coon Balls recipe is not well-documented, but it is widely recognized as a classic American dish, especially popular in the South. It's a part of Southern cuisine and is often enjoyed at gatherings, holiday parties, and potlucks.

The recipe likely evolved over time, influenced by the Southern tradition of using flavorful, seasoned sausage in cooking. Coon Balls are simple to make, using readily available ingredients, which made them accessible and a favorite among home cooks.

While there isn't a specific historical origin story, the popularity of Coon Balls can be attributed to their delicious, savory flavor, ease of preparation, and the way they bring people together during social events. Regardless of their origins, they have become a cherished and versatile snack or appetizer in American culinary culture.

Why try this Coon Balls recipe?

There are several great reasons to try the Coon Balls recipe:

Delicious Flavor: Coon Balls are incredibly tasty, with the rich, savory flavors of seasoned sausage and melted cheese. They're a crowd-pleaser and great for anyone who enjoys savory, cheesy treats.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple and doesn't require any advanced cooking skills. It's perfect for both beginners and experienced home cooks.
Versatile: You can customize the recipe by choosing different types of sausage (mild, spicy, or flavored), adjusting the level of spiciness, and adding optional ingredients like red pepper flakes. This versatility allows you to tailor the taste to your preferences.
Party Favorite: Coon Balls are a hit at parties, gatherings, and potlucks. They make for a fantastic appetizer or snack that guests will love.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the sausage ball mixture in advance and bake them when needed, which is convenient for entertaining.
Freezable: Coon Balls freeze well, so you can make a big batch and save some for later. They're a handy make-ahead option for busy days.
Comfort Food: They provide a sense of comfort and warmth, making them a perfect choice for cozy evenings or holiday gatherings.

Trying the Coon Balls recipe is a great way to enjoy a delicious, easy-to-make, and versatile snack that's perfect for various occasions. Plus, they're just downright tasty!

What does Coon Balls taste like?

Coon Balls have a delicious and savory taste. The flavor primarily comes from the combination of two key ingredients: ground sausage and cheese. Here's what you can expect:

Savory Sausage Flavor: The ground sausage, which is typically seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, provides a rich and savory taste. The choice of sausage can influence the level of spiciness or seasoning.
Cheesy Goodness: The shredded cheddar cheese adds a creamy and slightly tangy element to the mix. As the cheese melts during baking, it contributes to a gooey, cheesy interior.
A Hint of Heat (Optional): Some recipes include crushed red pepper flakes, which can give the Coon Balls a subtle kick if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Baking Adds Depth: Baking the Coon Balls until they're golden brown creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.

The taste is a satisfying blend of sausage and cheese, making Coon Balls a delightful and popular appetizer that's both comforting and flavorful.

What is in Coon Balls?

Ground Sausage: Ground sausage is the star of the dish, providing a flavorful and savory base. It comes in various types, such as mild, spicy, or flavored, allowing you to choose your preferred level of seasoning.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds a creamy and cheesy element to the mixture. It melts during baking, creating a gooey and delicious interior.
All-Purpose Flour: Flour serves as a binding agent, helping to hold the ingredients together and giving the Coon Balls their structure.
Baking Powder: Baking powder provides a bit of leavening, helping the Coon Balls rise and become light and fluffy during baking.
Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper are essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the Coon Balls. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): If you like a bit of heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture. This is an optional ingredient that can give the Coon Balls a spicy kick.

Equipment required for this recipe

Mixing Bowl: A mixing bowl is used to combine the ingredients. You can substitute this with any large bowl or even a clean countertop if you prefer to mix the ingredients by hand.
Baking Sheet: A baking sheet is used to bake the Coon Balls. You can use a baking dish or any oven-safe tray as a substitute.
Parchment Paper or Cooking Spray: To prevent the Coon Balls from sticking to the baking sheet, you can use either parchment paper or cooking spray. If you don't have parchment paper, a light coating of cooking spray on the baking sheet will work.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are essential for accurately portioning the ingredients. If you don't have these, you can estimate measurements using standard kitchen items like regular drinking cups and common utensils.
Oven: You'll need an oven to bake the Coon Balls. An oven is not easily substituted, but toaster ovens may work for smaller batches.
Wire Rack (Optional): A wire rack is useful for cooling the Coon Balls after baking. If you don't have one, you can place the baked Coon Balls on a clean plate or tray to cool.
Spoon or Scoop: A spoon or cookie scoop is handy for shaping the sausage ball mixture into even-sized portions. If you don't have a scoop, you can use a regular spoon.

How to make Coon Balls

Discover the Ultimate Coon Balls Recipe! A mouthwatering twist on a classic - perfect for parties, with expert tips for success!

Ingredients

1 pound (450g) ground sausage
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground sausage and shredded cheddar cheese.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. If you want a little kick, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes to the dry ingredients.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the sausage and cheese mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
Shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the Coon Balls are golden brown and cooked through.
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Coon Balls!

How to serve Coon Balls

Serving Coon Balls is a straightforward process. Here are the steps to serve them:

Cool Slightly: Once you've baked the Coon Balls, allow them to cool for a few minutes. They will be very hot right out of the oven.
Arrange on a Platter: Place the Coon Balls on a serving platter or dish. You can use a decorative platter for a special presentation if you like.
Provide Dipping Sauces (Optional): While Coon Balls are delicious on their own, you can enhance the experience by offering dipping sauces. Common options include barbecue sauce, ketchup, or a spicy mustard. Put the sauces in small bowls or ramekins and place them alongside the Coon Balls.
Garnish (Optional): To add a pop of color and freshness, you can garnish the platter with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Serve Warm: Coon Balls are best enjoyed while they are still warm. Guests can use toothpicks or small forks to pick them up from the platter. Remember to let everyone know if the Coon Balls are hot to avoid any burns.

Coon Balls are a great addition to any party or gathering, and they're sure to be a hit with your guests.

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 658 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Coon Balls, Coon Balls Recipe, Recipe, Easy, Homemade, Top rated

What to serve Coon Balls with

Coon Balls are versatile and can be served with a variety of accompaniments to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal or snack. Here are some options for what you can serve with Coon Balls:

Dipping Sauces: Offer a selection of dipping sauces like barbecue sauce, ketchup, spicy mustard, or a homemade ranch dressing. These sauces complement the savory flavors of the Coon Balls.
Fresh Vegetables: Serve a platter of fresh vegetables, such as carrot and celery sticks, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes. These provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Coon Balls.
Fruit: Fresh fruit, like apple slices, grapes, or melon, adds a touch of sweetness that pairs nicely with the savory sausage.
Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the flavors and make for a more substantial meal.
Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw can be a great side dish, especially if you're serving the Coon Balls at a picnic or outdoor gathering.
Pickles: Dill pickles or sweet gherkins can provide a tangy and crunchy element to the meal.
Chips or Crisps: A side of potato chips, pretzels, or tortilla chips can add a satisfying crunch to your spread.
Finger Foods: Consider serving a variety of finger foods like cheese platters, stuffed mushrooms, or deviled eggs for a diverse and appetizing selection.
Beverages: Offer a range of beverages, including soft drinks, iced tea, or even a selection of craft beers or wine for adult gatherings.
Condiments: Provide condiments like ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and relish for those who like to customize their sausage ball experience.

Your choice of sides can depend on the occasion and personal preferences of your guests. Coon Balls are versatile and pair well with a wide range of accompaniments, so feel free to get creative and tailor your spread to suit your gathering.

My recommendations and tips

Use Quality Ingredients: Choose good-quality ground sausage and sharp cheddar cheese. The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the final flavor.
Customize Seasonings: Experiment with the type of sausage and the level of spiciness to match your preferences. You can also add extra seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs for more flavor.
Mix Thoroughly: Ensure that all the ingredients are evenly mixed. Use your hands or a spoon to combine the sausage, cheese, and dry ingredients thoroughly. This will help create a uniform texture.
Portion Evenly: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to portion out the sausage ball mixture into evenly sized balls. This ensures that they cook uniformly.
Don't Overmix: While you want to mix the ingredients thoroughly, avoid overmixing, as it can make the Coon Balls tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This ensures that the Coon Balls cook evenly and rise properly.
Use Parchment Paper or Cooking Spray: To prevent sticking, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on the Coon Balls while baking to prevent overcooking. They should be golden brown and cooked through but still moist inside.
Serve Warm: Coon Balls are best enjoyed when they're warm. If you're making them in advance, you can reheat them in the oven before serving.
Dipping Sauces: Offering a variety of dipping sauces can enhance the experience and cater to different tastes.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the sausage ball mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This is convenient for when you want to bake them just before serving.
Freezing: Coon Balls freeze well. After baking and cooling, you can freeze them in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven when needed.

Potential ingredients substitutes

Sausage: You can substitute ground pork, ground turkey, or plant-based sausage for traditional pork sausage. Different types of sausage will change the flavor profile, so choose one that suits your preferences.
Cheese: While cheddar is commonly used, you can replace it with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a dairy-free alternative if you're lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet.
Flour: All-purpose flour can be substituted with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free version.
Baking Powder: If you don't have baking powder, you can use a combination of cream of tartar and baking soda. For each teaspoon of baking powder, use 1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
Salt and Pepper: Seasonings are flexible. Adjust the amount and type of salt and pepper to your taste. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: If you want to add a little heat but don't have red pepper flakes, you can use cayenne pepper or paprika for a milder spice.