This Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball is a fun and tasty treat! It’s packed with creamy cheese, spicy jalapenos, and crispy bacon, all rolled into one easy-to-make ball.
Perfect for parties, this cheese ball is a real crowd-pleaser. I love serving it with crackers, and it always disappears fast—who can resist that cheesy goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the base of your cheese ball. You can use low-fat cream cheese if you’re looking for a lighter option. I like using full-fat for a creamier texture!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings a nice flavor punch. If you want a milder taste, use mild cheddar or even pepper jack for some extra heat.
Bacon: For that crispy, savory element, cooked bacon is perfect. If you want a vegetarian option, try using crispy fried shallots or omit the bacon altogether.
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños give that signature pop. If you’re sensitive to spice, use roasted red peppers instead, or you can leave them out for a milder flavor.
Green Onions: They add a bit of freshness. Feel free to substitute with chives if you like a different flavor profile!
How Do You Form and Coat a Cheese Ball Like a Pro?
Shaping the cheese ball and getting that perfect coating can be tricky. Here’s how to nail it:
- Mix your ingredients well in a bowl until everything is nicely blended.
- For shaping, I find that using a piece of plastic wrap helps form a smoother ball. Just scoop the mixture onto the wrap and twist it closed!
- When coating, combine extra bacon and jalapeños on a plate, and roll the cheese ball carefully, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks.
- Don’t forget to chill it! Refrigerate for at least 2 hours so the flavors can meld and it firms up.
How to Make a Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Additional crumbled bacon and finely chopped jalapeños for rolling/coating
- Crackers, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and should be chilled for at least 2 hours. So, overall plan for about 2 hours and 15 minutes to get this tasty cheese ball ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped jalapeños, and green onions. This mix is going to be super creamy and flavorful!
2. Season It Up:
Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well until it’s fully combined. You want every bite to be packed with flavor!
3. Shape the Cheese Ball:
Using your hands, shape the mixture into a ball. If you find it easier, you can use plastic wrap to help you form a smooth shape. Just scoop it onto the wrap, twist it closed, and shape it.
4. Coat It:
On a plate, combine some additional crumbled bacon and finely chopped jalapeños. Roll the cheese ball in this mixture to coat the outside evenly. This is what gives it that delicious crunch!
5. Chill Out:
Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to slice.
6. Ready to Serve:
Once it’s well chilled, take it out and place it on a serving board. If you’d like, garnish with a few jalapeño slices on top for an extra touch.
7. Enjoy!
Serve the cheese ball with your favorite crackers, and watch it disappear quickly. Everyone’s going to love this spicy, creamy delight!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?
Yes, you can! Low-fat cream cheese will work just fine, though the texture might be slightly less rich. Just make sure it’s softened for easy mixing!
How Do I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you want to dial down the heat, simply remove the seeds and membranes of the jalapeños before chopping them. For even milder flavor, consider substituting jalapeños with roasted red peppers.
Can I Make This Cheese Ball Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What Should I Serve With the Cheese Ball?
This cheese ball is perfect with a variety of crackers! You can also serve it with fresh veggies, such as baby carrots or bell pepper strips, for a fun pairing.