Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball Recipe
Introduction
This Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball is a creamy, spicy appetizer perfect for any gathering. Combining sharp cheddar, fresh jalapeños, and crispy bacon, it offers a flavorful twist on a classic party favorite.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 3 jalapeños (seeds and membranes removed, diced, divided)
- 8 slices of bacon (cooked, crumbled, divided)
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)
- 1/2 cup pecans (chopped fine)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, soften the cream cheese by stirring it until smooth.
- Step 2: Add 2/3 of the shredded cheddar cheese, 2/3 of the diced jalapeños, half of the crumbled bacon, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Step 3: Shape the cheese mixture into a ball. Place it on plastic wrap and wrap tightly.
- Step 4: Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 4 hours or overnight to chill and firm up.
- Step 5: When ready to serve, combine the remaining jalapeños, bacon, shredded cheese, green onions, and chopped pecans in a bowl.
- Step 6: Remove the cheese ball from the plastic wrap and roll it in the mixture until fully coated.
- Step 7: Serve with your favorite crackers or fresh vegetables and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of jalapeños or remove them entirely.
- Swap pecans for chopped walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- Use smoked cheddar for a deeper, smoky taste.
- Make ahead and freeze the cheese ball for up to 1 month; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Storage
Store the cheese ball covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it chilled until ready to serve. Leftovers can be enjoyed cold or spread on crackers. Do not leave out at room temperature for more than two hours.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the cheese ball a day ahead allows the flavors to meld and makes chilling simpler. Just keep it wrapped and refrigerated until serving.
What can I serve with the Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball?
This cheese ball pairs well with a variety of crackers, toasted bread slices, or fresh vegetables like celery, carrots, and bell peppers for dipping.
PrintJalapeno Popper Cheese Ball Recipe
This Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball is a flavorful appetizer combining creamy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, spicy jalapeños, and smoky bacon, coated with a crunchy pecan and green onion crust. Perfect for parties and gatherings, it pairs wonderfully with crackers or fresh veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (bacon cooking time)
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 16 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1 1/3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 jalapeños (seeds and membranes removed, diced, divided)
- 4 slices of bacon (cooked, crumbled, divided)
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Coating Mixture
- 2/3 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 jalapeño (seeds and membranes removed, diced)
- 4 slices bacon (cooked, crumbled)
- 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)
- 1/2 cup pecans (chopped fine)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and stir it to soften and smooth out the texture, creating a creamy base.
- Mix In Flavors: Add 2/3 of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 2/3 of the diced jalapeños, half of the crumbled bacon, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Form the cream cheese mixture into a tight ball shape. Place it on a piece of plastic wrap and wrap it tightly to maintain shape and prevent drying out.
- Chill: Place the wrapped cheese ball into the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This helps the flavors meld and firms up the cheese ball.
- Prepare Coating: In a separate bowl, combine the remaining diced jalapeño, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and finely chopped pecans. This mixture will form the outer coating.
- Coat the Cheese Ball: Remove the cheese ball from the plastic wrap and roll it thoroughly in the coating mixture, pressing gently to adhere the pecan and cheese mixture evenly on all sides.
- Serve: Present the cheese ball on a serving platter alongside your favorite crackers or fresh vegetables for dipping and enjoy this spicy, creamy appetizer.
Notes
- Remove jalapeño seeds and membranes to reduce heat, or leave some for extra spice.
- Cook bacon until crispy for best texture and flavor.
- The cheese ball can be made up to 24 hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Chopped pecans can be substituted with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Serve with an assortment of crackers, sliced baguette, or raw veggies like celery and bell peppers.
Keywords: Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball, cheese ball appetizer, spicy cheese ball, bacon cheese ball, party appetizer, easy cheese ball recipe
