When I whipped up this dish, my kitchen burst with an aroma that only a blend of creamy cheese and crispy bacon can create. Combining cream cheese, sharp cheddar, smoked bacon, and spicy jalapenos, my Jalapeño Bacon Cheese Ball Recipes always impress. I am excited to share this culinary delight.
I’ve been working on the perfect finger food appetizer and this Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball is it. I mixed 8 oz cream cheese (softened, of course) with 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese and then stirred in 1/2 cup crispy smoked bacon, chopped just right.
I added 2-3 minced jalapeno peppers and omitted the seeds if you dont want it too spicy. I then tossed in 1/4 cup green onions and a pinch of garlic powder along with salt and pepper.
This recipe is one of those jalapeno bacon cheese ball creations I love making for football snacks and other party gatherings. It reminds me of those easy jalapeno cheddar cheese ball recipes that are super tempting.
Every bite explodes with flavor, and its a great conversation starter. Trust me, if you love trying new and fun cheese ball recipes, you gotta give this a go.
Enjoy!
Why I Like this Recipe
I love this recipe because it mixes smooth, creamy cheese with that perfect punch of spicy jalapenos and crispy bacon that makes every bite exciting. I like how it’s super easy to throw together even if I’m not a gourmet chef, yet it always impresses my friends at parties. I also really enjoy how all the flavors come together after chilling, so every time I serve it I get that satisfying taste explosion. Lastly, it tastes awesome paired with crackers or veggies and reminds me of those fun party snacks, which totally makes it my go-to for any get-together.
Ingredients
- Fresh cream cheese adds creaminess, slight tang and smooth texture with decent fat and protein.
- Sharp cheddar provides bold flavor and rich protein boosts while balancing the popper’s taste.
- Crispy smoked bacon offers a smoky crunch and savory protein with indulgent fats.
- Minced jalapeno peppers fire up the recipe with spicy kick and vitamin C infusion.
- Chopped green onions add fresh crunch and mild zing, enhancing overall dish aroma.
Ingredient Quantities
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup crispy smoked bacon, chopped
- 2-3 jalapeno peppers, minced (remove seeds if you do not wanna make it too spicy)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make this
1. In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar until they’re pretty smooth.
2. Stir in the chopped crispy smoked bacon, minced jalapenos, and green onions.
3. Sprinkle in the garlic powder and add salt and pepper to your taste.
4. Mix everything well so all the flavors combine nicely.
5. Once it’s all mixed, shape the mixture into a round cheese ball.
6. Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap tightly.
7. Pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together.
8. When you’re ready to serve, take it out and let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature.
9. Enjoy with your favorite crackers or veggies and impress your guests at the party!
Equipment Needed
1. A large mixing bowl
2. A spatula or mixing spoon
3. A knife for chopping the bacon, jalapenos, and green onions
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Plastic wrap
6. A refrigerator
7. A serving plate or platter
FAQ
Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- If you don’t have cream cheese, you can try Neufchatel cheese or even a bit of softened goat cheese to add a tangy twist
- Instead of sharp cheddar, you can mix pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a creamier, slightly spicier flavor
- If crispy smoked bacon isn’t available, turkey bacon works pretty good or a plant-based bacon substitute if you’re keeping it vegetarian
- For the jalapenos, if you prefer it milder you could use Anaheim peppers, or if you like it hotter, serrano peppers might do the trick
- Instead of green onions, you can use chives, which will still give you a fresh onion taste without overpowering the other flavors
Pro Tips
1. Be sure the cream cheese is super soft before you mix everything together so it blends better and you don’t end up with lumps all over.
2. It really helps if you crisp up the bacon until it’s almost crunchy, coz that extra crunch makes a huge difference in every bite.
3. If you want your cheese ball to have just the right kick, try removing some of the jalapeno seeds but leave a few in if you like it spicy.
4. Letting the cheese ball chill in the fridge really helps the flavors marry, so don’t skip the waiting time even if you’re tempted to devour it fresh off the mix.
Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball Recipe
My favorite Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. A large mixing bowl
2. A spatula or mixing spoon
3. A knife for chopping the bacon, jalapenos, and green onions
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Plastic wrap
6. A refrigerator
7. A serving plate or platter
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup crispy smoked bacon, chopped
- 2-3 jalapeno peppers, minced (remove seeds if you do not wanna make it too spicy)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar until they’re pretty smooth.
2. Stir in the chopped crispy smoked bacon, minced jalapenos, and green onions.
3. Sprinkle in the garlic powder and add salt and pepper to your taste.
4. Mix everything well so all the flavors combine nicely.
5. Once it’s all mixed, shape the mixture into a round cheese ball.
6. Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap tightly.
7. Pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together.
8. When you’re ready to serve, take it out and let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature.
9. Enjoy with your favorite crackers or veggies and impress your guests at the party!
