Description
This Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball is a creamy and flavorful appetizer that combines the spicy kick of jalapeños with the richness of cream cheese and bacon. Perfect for parties or gatherings, this cheese ball is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball:
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapeños, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or crushed Ritz crackers, for coating
- Fresh parsley and extra bacon for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, crumbled bacon, jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Stir in green onions.
- Shape the mixture into a ball using clean hands or a spatula.
- Place the chopped pecans or crushed crackers on a plate and roll the cheese ball in the coating until fully covered.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Before serving, top with extra chopped bacon, jalapeños, and parsley if desired.
- Serve with crackers, pretzels, or sliced veggies.
Notes
- For a milder version, use fewer jalapeños or substitute with chopped green chiles.
- This cheese ball can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
