Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball Recipe
This Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball is a creamy, spicy, and savory appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Packed with cream cheese, cheddar, crispy bacon, fresh jalapenos, and green onions, it’s easy to make and sure to impress your guests with its bold flavors and creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
Instructions
- Cook and prepare bacon: Cook bacon slices until crispy. Place on paper towels or a cooling rack over a pan to drain excess grease and cool. Chop the bacon once cool. Reserve half the bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later use, and set the other half aside for mixing.
- Prepare vegetables: Slice green onions. Dice jalapenos after removing seeds unless extra spiciness is desired. Reserve half of the green onions and jalapenos together in an airtight container in the fridge, and set the other half aside for the cheese ball mixture.
- Mix base cheese mixture: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat together softened cream cheese and sour cream with salt, garlic powder, and onion powder until completely smooth.
- Combine flavorful ingredients: Into the cheese mixture, add the reserved diced jalapenos, chopped bacon, green onions, and 1.5 cups of cheddar cheese. Mix on low speed just until evenly combined without overmixing.
- Form cheese ball: Lay plastic wrap on your countertop. Spoon the cheese mixture onto plastic wrap and carefully wrap it up, shaping it into a smooth ball. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the ball to firm up.
- Prepare coating and serve: About 20 minutes before serving, unwrap the cheese ball and roll it gently in the reserved cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions spread in a single layer on a plate. This forms an appealing topping layer.
- Serve: Present the cheese ball with a butter or cheese knife and an assortment of crackers for guests to enjoy.
Notes
- For a milder flavor, remove all jalapeno seeds; leave some for more heat.
- Letting the cheese ball chill overnight improves flavor and firmness.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best texture and taste.
- Serve with a variety of crackers or sliced baguette for versatility.
- If you prefer, substitute bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
Keywords: Jalapeno popper, cheese ball, appetizer, party snack, bacon cheese ball, creamy cheese appetizer
