JALAPEÑO POPPER CHEESE BALL
This Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball is the perfect party appetizer! Creamy, cheesy, spicy, and loaded with crispy bacon and jalapeños. Serve it with crackers, veggies, or chips for a flavorful and crowd-pleasing snack everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 8 oz blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives optional
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2 –3 jalapeños seeded and finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or chopped pecans for coating
- Extra bacon and jalapeños for topping
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, chives, bacon, and jalapeños. Mix until well blended.
- Shape the mixture into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour.
- Before serving, roll the cheese ball in crushed crackers or chopped pecans until fully coated.
- Garnish with extra bacon and jalapeños on top.
- Serve with crackers, sliced cucumbers, pretzels, or tortilla chips.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Can be made up to 3 days ahead. Store wrapped in plastic in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Customizing the Flavor: Add more jalapeños for extra spice or swap cheddar for pepper jack.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crunchy crackers, fresh veggie sticks, or inside mini bell peppers.
- Allergy-Friendly Options: Use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives if needed.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Not suitable for freezing.