Looking for the ultimate party appetizer that disappears in minutes? This Coon Balls Recipe creates golden, crispy sausage-cheese bites that everyone raves about.
Just three simple ingredients make Southern magic happen. Learn how to make Coon Balls with easy ingredients for Coon Balls.
Perfect for game days, holidays, or any gathering!
My Story With This Comforting Coon Balls
Years ago at my aunt’s Christmas potluck, I discovered Coon Balls and couldn’t stop eating them.
The tray vanished before dinner even started! Named after “Miss Coon,” a legendary Southern church cook, these cheesy sausage bites became my party obsession.
Now my kids help roll the dough, continuing family tradition. They’re always the first thing gone!
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Baking sheets (2)
- Parchment paper
- Oven mitts
- Cooling rack
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Coon Balls
- Servings: 36 balls
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins
- Total Time: 28 mins
- Course: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Calories: 140 kcal per serving
Ingredients for Coon Balls
- 1 lb ground pork sausage (hot or mild)
- 10 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 cups biscuit baking mix (Bisquick)
- 1/4 cup cold water (if needed)
These ingredients for Coon Balls create irresistible party snacks.
Instructions for Coon Balls
1. Preheat Oven
Heat oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Shred Cheese
Grate cheddar cheese finely. Cold cheese shreds best.
3. Break Up Sausage
Crumble sausage into large bowl with clean hands.
4. Add Baking Mix
Sprinkle biscuit mix over sausage gradually. Mix well.
5. Work in Cheese
Add all shredded cheese. Mix until fully combined.
6. Check Texture
Mixture should hold together. Add water if crumbly.
7. Scoop Balls
Use cookie scoop for 1-inch balls. Place on sheets.
8. Arrange Evenly
Space balls 2 inches apart. Two sheets needed.
9. Bake First Batch
Bake 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
10. Rotate Sheets
Switch sheet positions halfway for even cooking.
11. Check Doneness
Internal temperature reaches 160°F. Sausage cooked.
12. Cool Slightly
Rest 3 minutes. Serve warm with dips.
Cooking Tips and Simple Recipe Variations
- Always shred cheese yourself—pre-shredded won’t melt properly.
- Cold ingredients create better texture and shape.
- Chopped jalapeños add perfect spicy kick.
- Pepper jack cheese creates heat for spice lovers.
- Freeze raw balls for last-minute party prep.
- Brush melted butter on top for extra golden shine.
- Honey mustard makes perfect dipping sauce.
Little History Behind This Comfort Food
Coon Balls trace back to 1960s Southern church cookbooks, named for “Miss Coon”—a community cook who perfected the simple recipe.
Just sausage, cheese and biscuit mix created potluck legend. The magic happens when fat from sausage, cheese proteins, and baking powder create crispy outside with melty center. Pure Southern hospitality!
What to Serve With This Dish
Coon Balls shine brightest with honey mustard, creamy ranch dip, or warm marinara sauce. Add crunchy pickle spears and celery sticks for contrast.
Sweet tea or lemonade perfectly cuts through richness. Include cheese platter and fresh fruit skewers for complete party spread.
Occasion or Event Ideas
- Super Bowl Sunday parties
- Holiday open houses
- Football tailgates
- Church potluck dinners
- Birthday celebrations
- Game night gatherings
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store airtight in refrigerator up to 4 days.
- Freeze baked Coon Balls up to 3 months easily.
- Reheat oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
- Microwave works—15-20 seconds per serving.
- Air fryer at 350°F crisps in just 4 minutes.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Carbs | 6g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
Values approximate per ball.
Is This Dish Good for You?
Coon Balls deliver satisfying protein from quality sausage and cheese, making them filling party snacks.
Cheddar cheese provides calcium essential for strong bones and teeth. At 140 calories per ball, two or three fit nicely into celebrations.
Choose lean turkey sausage or reduced-fat cheddar to lighten the recipe while maintaining flavor.
Coon Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork sausage hot or mild
- 10 oz sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 3 cups biscuit baking mix Bisquick
- 1/4 cup cold water if needed
Instructions
Preheat Oven
- Heat oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Shred Cheese
- Grate cheddar cheese finely. Cold cheese shreds best.
Break Up Sausage
- Crumble sausage into large bowl with clean hands.
Add Baking Mix
- Sprinkle biscuit mix over sausage gradually. Mix well.
Work in Cheese
- Add all shredded cheese. Mix until fully combined.
Check Texture
- Mixture should hold together. Add water if crumbly.
Scoop Balls
- Use cookie scoop for 1-inch balls. Place on sheets.
Arrange Evenly
- Space balls 2 inches apart. Two sheets needed.
Bake First Batch
- Bake 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
Rotate Sheets
- Switch sheet positions halfway for even cooking.
Check Doneness
- Internal temperature reaches 160°F. Sausage cooked.
Cool Slightly
- Rest 3 minutes. Serve warm with dips.
Notes
- Always shred cheese yourself—pre-shredded won’t melt properly.
- Cold ingredients create better texture and shape.
- Chopped jalapeños add perfect spicy kick.
- Pepper jack cheese creates heat for spice lovers.
- Freeze raw balls for last-minute party prep.
- Brush melted butter on top for extra golden shine.
- Honey mustard makes perfect dipping sauce.
Read more:Popeyes Fried Pickles Recipe
FAQs about Coon Balls
Why must I shred my own cheese for Coon Balls?
Pre-shredded cheese contains starch coating that prevents proper melting and binding.
Freshly grated cheese creates perfect texture essential for success every time.
Can I prepare Coon Balls ahead for parties?
Definitely! Form balls and freeze raw up to 3 months.
Bake directly from freezer with just 3-5 extra minutes. Perfect party planning solution!
How do I avoid greasy Coon Balls?
Room temperature sausage, parchment paper baking, and paper towel draining creates perfect texture without excess oil every single time.
Can I freeze Coon Balls after baking completely?
Absolutely! Cool completely first, then freeze in single layer before bagging.
Reheats beautifully maintaining crispy exterior and melty interior.
How do I make spicy Coon Balls for adults?
Hot Italian sausage plus 1 tsp cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños creates fire! Keep mild version for kids. Easy heat customization.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the ultimate Coon Balls Recipe guaranteed to steal the show! Crispy golden outside, melty cheesy center, pure party perfection. Double this batch for your next gathering and watc
Hi! I’m Livy Lane, the creator of LivyCooks.com. I share easy, delicious recipes anyone can make at home. Let’s cook, taste and enjoy every bite together!