Description
This Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball is a creamy, spicy appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Made with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, bacon, and pickled jalapeños, it’s rolled in crushed crackers or chopped pecans for a delightful crunch. Serve chilled with crackers or veggie sticks for a crowd-pleasing snack bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- ¼ cup pickled jalapeños, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Coating
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for coating)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked and crumbled bacon, finely chopped pickled jalapeños, green onions, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly blended into a cohesive mixture.
- Shape and Chill: Using your hands or a spatula, shape the cheese mixture into a smooth ball. Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up and the flavors to meld.
- Coat the Cheese Ball: Just before serving, place the crushed Ritz crackers or chopped pecans on a plate. Roll the chilled cheese ball gently in the coating mixture, pressing lightly so the coating adheres well. Mix in chopped parsley with the coating for added color and freshness if desired.
- Serve: Transfer the coated cheese ball to a serving plate and serve chilled or at room temperature alongside crackers, pretzels, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Notes
- For extra heat, substitute pickled jalapeños with fresh jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
- You can prepare the cheese ball a day ahead of time; keep it refrigerated until ready to coat and serve.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free crackers or nuts for the coating.
