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Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball


  • Author: Mira
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings

Description

This Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball is a creamy, spicy, bacon-coated appetizer that turns classic jalapeño popper flavor into an easy party snack everyone can scoop and share. It is perfect for game day food, holiday appetizers, quick snack ideas, easy recipe planning, party food ideas, and make-ahead appetizer boards with crackers, pretzels, or fresh vegetables.


Ingredients

16 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely diced

2 green onions, finely sliced

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 cup cooked bacon, finely chopped

1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup extra shredded cheddar cheese for coating

Crackers, pretzels, or vegetables for serving


Instructions

1. Add softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce to a large mixing bowl.

2. Mix until the cheese base is smooth, creamy, and evenly combined.

3. Fold in the diced jalapeños and sliced green onions until they are spread throughout the mixture.

4. Spoon the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a round ball.

5. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.

6. In a shallow bowl, combine chopped bacon, chopped pecans, parsley, and extra shredded cheddar cheese.

7. Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the coating, pressing gently so the outside is fully covered.

8. Place on a serving plate and serve with crackers, pretzels, celery sticks, mini peppers, or toasted bread.

Notes

Use softened cream cheese, not melted cream cheese, so the cheese ball stays creamy but still holds its shape.

For a milder flavor, remove all seeds and white ribs from the jalapeños before chopping.

Roll the cheese ball in the bacon and pecan coating right before serving for the best crunch.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 215
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 315mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 48mg

Keywords: jalapeño popper cheese ball, cheese ball appetizer, easy party appetizer, game day food, holiday appetizer, make ahead appetizer, cream cheese appetizer