Description

This Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball combines creamy, tangy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and spicy jalapeños for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. It’s easy to make ahead and perfect for parties, game day, or any gathering. Serve it with veggies, crackers, or chips for a delicious flavor-packed treat everyone will love.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Cream Cheese Mixture

16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 jalapeños, finely chopped
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Rolling

Additional chopped bacon
Additional chopped jalapeños
Additional chopped green onions

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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

Wear gloves when chopping jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.
You can prepare the cheese ball up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until serving.
Serve with gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free option.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack for more heat.
Add more or fewer jalapeños to adjust the spiciness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/12 cheese ball
Calories: 185
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 325mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 42mg