Jalapeno 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
Scale
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
Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/jalapeno-popper-cheese-ball-recipe/
