Coon Balls Recipe

Indulge in the Best Coon Balls Recipe: Creamy, Cheesy, and Irresistibly Delicious! Perfect for Parties. Try it Today! #CoonBalls #Recipe

Coon Balls

• Publisher: Lofty Recipes
• Cuisine: American
• Category: Appetizer, Snack
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: No cooking
• Yield: 12 Coon Balls
• Calories: 150 calories

About this recipe

Coon balls, often referred to as cheese balls, are a popular and classic party snack in American cuisine. These savory delights are typically made from a creamy base of softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese, which gives them a rich and indulgent flavor.

The cream cheese provides a smooth and luscious texture, while the cheddar cheese adds a sharp and tangy note.

What makes coon balls truly delicious are the various seasonings and mix-ins. Ingredients like green onions, bell peppers, pecans, and a blend of spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper are added to the mixture. These ingredients contribute to a well-rounded taste with hints of spiciness and crunch.

The beauty of coon balls lies in their versatility. They can be shaped into a single large cheese ball or smaller, bite-sized versions, and can be rolled in additional nuts, paprika, or cheese for added texture and presentation. Coon balls are served with an array of dippers, such as crackers, vegetable sticks, or slices of baguette.

These delectable cheese balls have been a beloved party staple for decades, making appearances at gatherings and celebrations across the United States. They are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making them a go-to appetizer for hosts and party planners. The flexibility in flavors and presentation means you can customize coon balls to suit your taste and the occasion.

Recipe origin and background

The term "coon balls" is not a widely recognized or standard culinary term, and there is no specific historical or cultural background associated with it. The recipe you're referring to, often known as "cheese balls," is a classic American party snack. These cheese balls have been popular in the United States for many years.

The origin of cheese balls can be traced back to mid-20th-century America, and they gained popularity during the post-World War II era when convenient and flavorful party snacks were in demand. The recipe typically consists of cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese blended with various seasonings and mix-ins.

Over the years, cheese ball recipes have evolved, with variations that include ingredients like green onions, bell peppers, nuts, and spices to add flavor and texture. The versatility of cheese balls has made them a favorite at social gatherings, from casual get-togethers to more formal events.

While "coon balls" may be a regional or colloquial name for this snack in some areas, the term "cheese balls" or "cheese ball appetizers" is the more common and recognized name for this classic American dish.

Why try this Coon Balls recipe?

There are several good reasons to try the coon balls (cheese balls) recipe:

• Delicious Flavor: Coon balls are known for their creamy, cheesy, and savory taste with a hint of spice. They are a crowd-pleaser and a true treat for your taste buds.
• Versatile: You can customize the recipe to suit your preferences. Add extra ingredients like bacon bits, different types of cheese, or herbs to create your unique flavor combination.
• Easy to Prepare: Coon balls are simple to make, requiring minimal cooking skills. It's a great option for both novice and experienced home cooks.
• Party Favorite: These cheese balls are a classic appetizer that's always a hit at parties, gatherings, and potlucks. They're visually appealing and pair well with various dippers like crackers and veggies.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare coon balls in advance and refrigerate them. This means less last-minute prep when you're hosting an event.
• Custom Presentation: You can get creative with the presentation by rolling the cheese balls in nuts, herbs, or additional cheese. This adds a personal touch to your appetizer spread.
• Adaptable: The recipe is easily adaptable to dietary preferences. You can use low-fat cream cheese or vegan cream cheese if desired.
• Nostalgia: Coon balls have been a beloved American party snack for generations, so making them can evoke a sense of nostalgia and tradition.

Coon balls are a delightful and versatile dish that's easy to make and perfect for various occasions. Whether you're hosting a party or just want a tasty snack, they're a great choice to try.

What does Coon Balls taste like?

The taste of coon balls, or cheese balls as they are commonly known, is a delightful combination of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors. The exact taste can vary depending on the specific ingredients and seasonings used in the recipe, but here are some general characteristics:

• Creaminess: The cream cheese is a dominant ingredient, providing a rich and creamy texture. It's velvety and smooth, which balances the other flavors.
• Cheesiness: Shredded cheddar cheese adds a sharp and tangy note. The cheese flavor is pronounced, giving the coon balls a savory and slightly salty taste.
• Savory and Spicy: Seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper introduce a savory and sometimes mildly spicy element. These spices enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Freshness: Ingredients like green onions and bell peppers contribute freshness and a subtle crunch, adding a contrast to the creaminess.
• Nuttiness (optional): If you choose to roll the cheese ball in chopped nuts like pecans, you'll get an additional layer of flavor and a pleasant nuttiness.

Coon balls, or cheese balls, offer a delicious and well-balanced combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. They are often served with crackers, which provide a crisp contrast to the creamy texture, making them a popular and beloved party snack. The specific taste can be adjusted to suit your preferences by varying the ingredients and seasonings in the recipe.

What is in Coon Balls?

• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is the creamy base of the coon balls. It provides a smooth and luscious texture.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: This ingredient adds a sharp and tangy note to the coon balls, giving them a cheesy and savory flavor.
• Green Onions: Finely chopped green onions contribute freshness and a mild onion flavor to the mixture.
• Bell Peppers: Finely chopped bell peppers provide a pop of color, a slight crunch, and a hint of sweet pepper taste.
• Pecans: These nuts, when finely chopped, can be added to the mixture or used to coat the outside of the cheese balls, giving them a pleasant nuttiness and extra texture.
• Seasonings: Various seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper are used to enhance the flavor with savory and spicy elements.

Equipment required for this recipe

• Mixing Bowl: You'll need a mixing bowl to combine all the ingredients. If you don't have one, you can use a large glass or plastic container.
• Electric Mixer (Optional): While not necessary, an electric mixer can make blending the cream cheese and other ingredients easier. A hand mixer or a food processor can be substitutes. However, you can also mix everything by hand with a sturdy spoon or spatula.
• Knife and Cutting Board: You'll need these to chop the green onions, bell peppers, and pecans. If you don't have a cutting board, you can use a large plate.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients. If you don't have measuring cups, you can use regular kitchen cups and adjust based on the size (e.g., 1 cup can be approximately 240 ml).
• Plastic Wrap: You'll use this to wrap and shape the cheese mixture into balls. If you don't have plastic wrap, you can use parchment paper or foil.
• Refrigerator: You'll need a refrigerator to chill the cheese balls for at least an hour. There's no substitute for this.
• Optional Rolling Coating: If you plan to roll the cheese balls in chopped pecans, additional shredded cheese, or spices for a coating, you'll need a plate or tray to hold these ingredients.

How to make Coon Balls

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Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup finely chopped bell peppers
• 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, bell peppers, and pecans. Mix them until well combined.
2. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the mixture. Stir everything together until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
3. Once the mixture is well combined, use your hands to shape it into a ball or multiple smaller balls, depending on your preference.
4. If you'd like, you can roll the cheese ball(s) in additional chopped pecans, paprika, or more shredded cheese for added flavor and presentation.
5. Cover the cheese ball(s) with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese ball to firm up.
6. Serve your coon balls with your choice of crackers, vegetable sticks, or sliced baguette.

How to serve Coon Balls

To serve coon balls (cheese balls) after making the recipe, follow these steps:

• Remove from Refrigerator: Take the coon balls out of the refrigerator. They should be firm and hold their shape.
• Prepare Serving Platter: Get a serving platter or a plate where you'd like to arrange the cheese balls. You can choose a platter that complements your party's theme or your personal style.
• Additional Coatings (Optional): If you've decided to roll the cheese balls in additional coatings like chopped pecans, shredded cheese, or spices, do this just before serving. Roll the balls gently in the coating until they are covered to your liking.
• Garnish: You can garnish the platter with additional ingredients used in the recipe, such as a sprig of green onion, a slice of bell pepper, or some extra chopped pecans for an attractive presentation.
• Arrange on Platter: Place the coon balls on the serving platter, leaving some space between each one. This makes it easy for your guests to pick them up.
• Provide Dippers: Set out a variety of dippers around the platter. Common choices include an assortment of crackers, bread slices, vegetable sticks, or even tortilla chips. You can also add small serving utensils or toothpicks for guests to pick up the coon balls and dippers.
• Serve: Your coon balls are now ready to be enjoyed. Encourage your guests to take a cheese ball, add it to a cracker or dip it in the accompanying dippers, and savor the delicious flavors.
• Enjoy: Finally, sit back and enjoy the compliments from your guests as they relish your homemade coon balls. They make for a perfect party appetizer or snack for any occasion.

You can refrigerate any leftovers promptly to ensure they stay fresh for future snacking.

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 608 reviews.

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