A jalapeno popper cheese ball deserves a plate at every football tailgate and throughout the holiday season! But be prepared to linger; you can’t eat just one bite of this cheese ball recipe!
There’s something about cool and creamy cream cheese base when it’s paired with crispy smoky bacon in this easy recipe.
Because, bacon!
Add a little shredded cheese and some little heat from jalapeno pepper and you’re talking my kind of party appetizer!
Why do I love this recipe?
Well for one, cheese balls are always great party appetizers!
Also, it's super easy to make with a fun take on the traditional baked jalapeno poppers and air fryer jalapeño poppers.
Ingredients
- bacon slices
- jalapeño pepper - jalapeno peppers are less spicy if you remove the seeds. Be sure to wash your hands after handling these, too.
- cream cheese - you can substitute light cream cheese (sometimes labeled as Neufchatel at the grocery store)
- Mexican-blend cheese - this is usually a blend of Monterey Jack cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and other cheeses like Asadero, and Queso Quesadilla
- smoked paprika
- oregano
- chipotle powder
- garlic powder
- salt and black pepper, to taste
How to make a jalapeno cheese ball
Step 1: Cook the bacon slices
Line a large plate with paper towels and place 4 slices of bacon on top. Cover with additional paper towels. Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, or until bacon is crispy. Remove from microwave and discard paper towels. Repeat process with additional paper towels and remaining slices of bacon.
Place crispy bacon in a food processor and pulse briefly until roughly chopped. Transfer bacon bits to a large bowl, along with half the jalapeño pepper, and stir to combine. Set aside.
Step 2: Combine ingredients
Combine cream cheese, the remaining jalapeño pepper, Mexican cheese, smoked paprika, oregano, chipotle powder, and garlic powder in a large bowl.
Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir vigorously to combine. Alternatively you can use a hand mixer to combine the ingredients.
Step 3: Shape into a ball shape
Shape the cheese mixture into a ball with your hands or wrap into plastic wrap and transfer to a serving plate. Place in the refrigerator to firm up a bit, approximately 5-10 minutes.
Step 4: Coat the cheese ball
Remove the cheese ball from refrigerator and gently coat the outside of the cheese ball in the chopped bacon jalapeño mixture until thoroughly coated.
Tips for making a jalapeno cheese ball
- Take your cream cheese out of the package before you even think about starting your popper prep. When it’s softened all the ingredients in the cream cheese mixture will come together easily.
- I’ve outlined instructions on how to make the bacon in the microwave. But my favorite way to cook bacon is in the oven. Even better, I love making batches of cooked bacon and freezing it for later.
- As for chopping the bacon...If you have halfway decent knife skills, for which a great knife is a must, skip the food processor step. I mean, if you have one less dish to wash, it’s a win in my book!
- If you don't have a Mexican cheese blend, use finely grated or shredded cheddar cheese or sharp cheddar. For extra zing use pepper jack cheese.
- Instead of using your hands you may wish to use plastic wrap to shape the ball. It's all about your own cheese ball preference here, folks!
FAQS
Can I make this jalapeno popper cheese ball recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Assemble as directed and store in an airtight container. Pull it out at least an hour before you're ready to serve so it will be ready for spreading!
How to serve your jalapeno popper cheese dip
Serve this up with veggies like celery, or with your favorite crackers for dipping.
If you have some green onions laying around, it makes a pretty garnished scattered on the serving plate.
Need to keep this delicious recipe gluten-free? Just make sure to use gluten free crackers and be sure to use a dip knife.
Make this jalapeno bacon cheese ball into the shape of a football for your Super Bowl or football tailgate party! Game day never tasted so good!
Other appetizer recipes you’ll love:
If you make this jalapeño cheese ball, leave a rating or comment below. I'd love to hear from you!
Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball
This jalapeno popper cheese ball deserves a plate at every football tailgate and every holiday season! But be prepared to linger; you can’t eat just one bite of this cheese ball recipe!
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bacon
- ½ large jalapeño pepper, finely minced, divided
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup Mexican-blend cheese, finely shredded
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Line a large plate with paper towels and place 4 slices of bacon on top. Cover with additional paper towels. Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, or until bacon is crispy. Remove from microwave and discard paper towels. Repeat process with additional paper towels and remaining slices of bacon.
- Place crispy bacon in a food processor and pulse briefly until roughly chopped. Transfer bacon crumbs to a large bowl, along with half the jalapeño pepper, and stir to combine. Set aside.
- Combine the remaining minced jalapeño pepper, cream cheese, Mexican cheese, smoked paprika, oregano, chipotle powder, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir vigorously to combine.
- Shape the cheese mixture into a ball with your hands or wrap into plastic wrap and transfer to a serving plate. Place in the refrigerator to firm up a bit, approximately 5-10 minutes.
- Remove cheese ball from refrigerator and gently roll in the bacon jalapeño mixture until thoroughly coated. Return to serving dish and serve immediately with sliced vegetables and/or crackers.
Notes
Jalapeno peppers are less spicy if you remove the seeds. Be sure to wash your hands after handling these, too.
Low fat cream cheese can be substituted.
To make this delicious cheese ball ahead of time: Assemble as directed and store in an airtight container. Pull it out at least an hour before you're ready to serve so it will be ready for spreading!
To Serve: Vegetables of choice or crackers
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 241Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 512mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0gSugar: 2gProtein: 10g
Seen on Meal Plan Monday
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