Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls
Looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion? These Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls pack all the flavors of jalapeño poppers intobite-sized, creamy, and crispy cheese balls. With smoky bacon, spicy jalapeños,and sharp cheddar cheese, these are guaranteed to be a hit at parties, game daygatherings, or holiday events. Best of all, they’re simple to make ahead, soyou can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the fun. Let’s dive into this delicious, savory recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or spatula
- Spoon or cookie scoop (for shaping cheese balls)
- Baking sheet (for cooking bacon)
- Plasticwrap (optional, for chilling)
Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese sharp or mild, depending on your preference
- 6 slices cooked bacon crumbled (plus more for coating)
- 2-3 fresh jalapeños finely diced (adjust based on your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for added smoky flavor
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives chopped (plus more for garnish)
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese for coating
- Crackers pretzels, or veggies for serving
Optional Ingredients and Substitutions:
- Use pepper jack cheese for extra spice.
- Swap fresh jalapeños for pickled jalapeños for a tangy twist.
- Add a dash of hot sauce if you like it extra spicy
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
- Cook the bacon until it’s crispy, either in a skillet or in the oven. If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lay the bacon strips on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until crisp. Once cooked, let it cool, then crumble the bacon into small pieces. Set aside a portion for coating the cheese balls later.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir until the ingredients are fully combined and smooth. If you’re using a hand mixer, blend on medium speed for 1-2 minutes. You can also mix by hand with a spatula if you prefer.
Step 3: Add Jalapeños and Bacon
- Gently fold the diced jalapeños, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives into the cheese mixture.Make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed so you get bacon and jalapeños in every bite.
Step 4: Form the Cheese Balls
- Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, portion out the cheese mixture and roll it into bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Place them on a plate or tray.
Step 5: Coat the Cheese Balls
- In a small bowl, combine the reserved crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheddar cheese, and a handful of chopped chives. Roll each cheese ball in this mixture until fully coated. This adds a delicious crispy texture and extra flavor.
- Place the coated cheese balls on a tray and chill them in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes to help them firm up before serving.
Notes
Tips
- If you like extra heat, you can keep some jalapeño seeds in the mix or add an extra pepper.
- If the mixture feels too soft or sticky, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before rolling. This makes it easier to handle.