Name: Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 6 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped; 1/4 cup green onions, sliced; 3 fresh jalapenos, diced (seeds removed for less heat); 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup sour cream; 2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (divided); 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Pinch of salt

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Introduction

This Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball is a creamy, flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for parties and gatherings. Packed with spicy jalapenos, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Easy to prepare ahead, it makes entertaining effortless.

A round cheese ball covered in layers of vivid yellow shredded cheddar cheese, small green chopped scallions, and crispy reddish-brown bacon bits sits in the center of the image. On top, two fresh green jalapeño slices with visible seeds add a pop of color. Surrounding the cheese ball are light golden round crackers arranged neatly in a circle, all placed on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

10 slices of bacon (cooked and chopped)
1/4 cup green onions (sliced)
3 fresh jalapenos
2 (8 oz) cream cheese blocks (softened)
1/4 cup sour cream
2 cups cheddar cheese (freshly shredded, divided)
3/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels or a cooling rack over a pan. Once cooled, chop the bacon. Place half in an airtight container and refrigerate for later; set the other half aside.
Step 2: Slice the green onions. Dice the jalapenos, removing seeds if you prefer less heat. Store half of the green onions and jalapenos together in an airtight container in the fridge.
Step 3: Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream with salt, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
Step 4: Add the reserved jalapenos, bacon, green onions, and 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the cream cheese mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined.
Step 5: Lay out plastic wrap on your counter and spoon the cheese mixture onto it. Wrap tightly into a ball shape. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 6: About 20 minutes before serving, remove the cheese ball from the fridge. On a plate, spread the reserved bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions in a single layer.
Step 7: Unwrap the cheese ball and gently roll it in the bacon, cheddar, and green onion coating until completely covered. Serve with crackers and a butter or cheese knife.

Tips & Variations

For less heat, use only one jalapeno or remove all seeds. For extra spice, keep the seeds or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a spicier twist.
Make the cheese ball a day ahead to let the flavors meld perfectly.

Storage

Store the cheese ball wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If leftovers remain, bring it to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to soften the texture.

How to Serve

A round cheese ball covered with shredded orange cheddar cheese, small pieces of crispy brown bacon, chopped green onions, and sliced green jalapeños on top. The cheese ball sits on a white plate surrounded by a neatly arranged layer of round golden crackers. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?

Yes, it’s best made at least several hours ahead or overnight to allow the flavors to develop and the cheese to firm up for easier rolling.

What can I serve with the cheese ball?

This cheese ball pairs well with a variety of crackers, sliced baguette, vegetable sticks, or even pretzels for a delicious contrast in texture.