Description
This Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball is a delightful party appetizer that brings together the creamy texture of cream cheese, the sharpness of cheddar, the smoky crunch of bacon, and the spicy kick of jalapeños. Perfect for make-ahead entertaining, this savory cheese ball is rolled in a crunchy coating of pecans, extra bacon, cheddar, and jalapeños, making it an irresistible snack to serve with crackers, pita chips, or fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon, plus extra for coating
- 2–3 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Coating
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- Extra cheddar cheese, shredded
- Extra diced jalapeños
- Extra cooked bacon bits
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, crumbled bacon, finely chopped jalapeños, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined into a smooth, uniform mixture.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Using your hands or plastic wrap, form the cheese mixture into a compact ball, making sure it holds together well.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together the chopped pecans, extra bacon bits, shredded cheddar, and diced jalapeños to create a crunchy and flavorful coating.
- Coat the Cheese Ball: Roll the formed cheese ball in the prepared pecan mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres evenly over the entire surface of the ball.
- Chill: Wrap the coated cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This chill time allows the cheese ball to firm up and the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Remove from the refrigerator and serve chilled or at room temperature with an assortment of crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- For a tangier flavor, substitute fresh jalapeños with pickled jalapeños.
- Adjust the spice level by leaving in some or all of the jalapeño seeds, or removing them completely.
- This cheese ball can be prepared 1–2 days ahead; however, add the coating just before serving to maintain a crunchy texture.
