Description
This Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball is a creamy, flavorful appetizer combining sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and spicy jalapeños, perfect for parties and gatherings. Chilled to firm perfection and coated with extra bacon, jalapeños, and green onions, it offers a delightful blend of textures and bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Base
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 jalapeños, finely chopped
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Coating
- Additional chopped bacon
- Additional chopped jalapeños
- Additional chopped green onions
Instructions
- Mix the Cheese Ball Base: In a large bowl, stir the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy to create a soft base. Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, cooked and crumbled bacon, finely chopped jalapeños, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, ensuring a balanced distribution of flavors.
- Shape and Chill: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface. Scoop the cheese mixture onto the center of the plastic wrap, then use the wrap to help shape it into a firm ball. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling step allows the cheese ball to firm up, making it easier to handle and intensifying the flavors.
- Coat and Serve: Before serving, carefully unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in a mixture of additional chopped bacon, jalapeños, and green onions. This coating adds extra flavor, vibrant color, and appealing texture. Place the cheese ball on a serving plate and serve with assorted veggies, crackers, or chips for an inviting appetizer.
Notes
- For milder flavor, remove seeds and membranes from jalapeños before chopping.
- Prepare bacon ahead of time and keep it crispy for coating.
- Can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Serve with a variety of crackers, sliced vegetables, or tortilla chips for dipping.
- Adjust garlic powder and pepper levels according to spice preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
