Description
This Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball is a creamy, spicy, and flavorful appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Combining softened cream cheese, cheddar, crispy bacon, and fresh jalapeños, it creates a deliciously tangy and savory cheese spread. Rolled in a crunchy coating of bacon, pecans, and jalapeños, this no-bake cheese ball is sure to impress your guests with its blend of heat and smoky richness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2–3 jalapeños (seeded and finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup green onions or chives (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Coating
- 1/4 cup crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or crushed crackers
- 2 tablespoons chopped jalapeños or green onions
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked and crumbled bacon, chopped jalapeños, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Using a spatula or your clean hands, shape the cheese mixture into a round ball. Wrap the ball tightly in plastic wrap to keep it firm and prevent drying.
- Chill: Refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. This chilling step allows the cheese to firm up so it holds its shape better when served.
- Prepare the Coating: Before serving, combine the crumbled bacon, chopped pecans (or crushed crackers), and chopped jalapeños or green onions in a shallow bowl or plate. This mixture will form the flavorful crust for the cheese ball.
- Coat the Cheese Ball: Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it gently in the coating mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating adheres evenly all around the ball.
- Serve: Serve the Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball chilled alongside crackers, pretzels, veggie sticks, or crostini for a perfect party appetizer.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños to control the spice level to your preference.
- You can substitute crispy fried onions or crushed pretzels in the coating for added texture and flavor.
- This cheese ball can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days, making it convenient for entertaining.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure your dippers such as crackers or pretzels are gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
