Description
This Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball is a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings. Combining sharp cheddar, cream cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh jalapeños, it delivers a spicy and savory bite with a delightful crunch. Rolled in additional bacon, jalapeños, and green onions, this cheese ball is best served chilled alongside crackers, chips, or fresh veggies.
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. Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, cooked and crumbled bacon, finely chopped jalapeños, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- 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. Use the wrap to help shape the mixture into a ball. Once formed, wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the cheese ball to firm up, making it easier to handle and enhancing the flavors.
- Coat and Serve: Before serving, unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in a combination of additional chopped bacon, jalapeños, and green onions. This step adds extra flavor, color, and texture to your cheese ball. Place on a serving plate and serve with assorted veggies, crackers, or chips.
Notes
- For less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before chopping.
- Make sure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the mixture.
- Chill the cheese ball for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld and the shape to set.
- Serve with a variety of crackers and fresh vegetables for a complete appetizer platter.
