Description
This Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball is creamy, cheesy, smoky, and just spicy enough to keep everyone coming back for another bite. Made with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, bacon, jalapeños, and green onions, it is an easy make-ahead appetizer that is perfect for holidays, game day, potlucks, and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
4 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon sour cream
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup chopped pecans or additional bacon for coating
Crackers, pretzels, or fresh vegetables for serving
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper until smooth and well mixed.
2. Fold in the chopped jalapeños, green onions, and most of the crumbled bacon, saving a little bacon if you want to use it for the outside.
3. Transfer the mixture onto plastic wrap and shape it into a ball. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
4. Place the chopped pecans, extra bacon, or a mixture of both on a plate. Roll the chilled cheese ball in the coating until evenly covered.
5. Set the cheese ball on a serving platter and serve with crackers, pretzels, or fresh vegetables. Let it sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Notes
Remove all jalapeño seeds and ribs for a milder cheese ball.
Chill the mixture well before coating so it holds its shape easily.
Roll the cheese ball in the coating just before serving for the best texture and presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: jalapeño popper cheese ball, cheese ball appetizer, bacon cheese ball, easy party appetizer