Indulge in a sensational cheese ball where velvety cream cheese and sharp cheddar unite with crispy bacon, spicy jalapenos, and crisp green onions. A hint of garlic and balanced seasonings produce a flavor-packed, festive treat that elevates any gathering, offering a delightful burst of smoky, zesty goodness for true indulgence.

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I love making my Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball because it’s such a straightforward and delicious party treat. I use 8 oz of softened cream cheese and combine it with 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese to give it that rich and tangy base.

I always add 4 strips of smoked bacon that i’ve cooked till they’re crispy and then crumbled, along with 1/3 cup of diced jalapenos, which you can adjust if you want less heat. I also toss in 1/4 cup of chopped green onions and 1/4 tsp of garlic powder, seasoning the whole mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

This appetizer is one of my favorite easy recipes, perfect for a game day spread or a simple get-together. It’s a mix of hearty, rich flavors and a bit of a kick that gives you a satisfying bite every time.

Enjoy making this crowd pleaser!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it has the perfect mix of flavors that always surprises me. First, I love how smooth the cream cheese and cheddar are blended together, giving it this creamy texture that just melts in my mouth. Second, the crispy bacon paired with the spicy kick of jalapenos makes every bite so exciting and full of flavor. Third, it’s super easy to make which means I can whip it up quickly when I have unexpected guests or when I’m in a hurry. Lastly, my friends always tell me how awesome it tastes at parties and that makes me feel pretty proud of my cooking skills.

Ingredients

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Cream Cheese: It adds creaminess, a smooth base, and slight tang, making the texture rich.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides protein and bold flavor, enriching the cheese ball with a sharp taste.
Smoked Bacon: Brings salty, smoky crunch and extra protein for a satisfying bite.
Diced Jalapeños: Contribute a spicy kick and vivid flavor, along with a touch of freshness.
Green Onions: Offer zesty, crisp notes and vitamins, brightening up the overall dish.

Ingredient Quantities

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

4 strips smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled

1/3 cup diced jalapenos (remove seeds if you want less heat)

1/4 cup chopped green onions

1/4 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

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1. First, put the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar in a bowl and mix them together until smooth.

2. Then, add the crumbled bacon, diced jalapenos, and chopped green onions into the bowl.

3. Sprinkle in the garlic powder along with a pinch of salt and some pepper to taste.

4. Mix everything thoroughly so all the flavors get into the cheese.

5. Scoop the mixture out onto a clean surface and form it into a ball shape.

6. Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and put it in the fridge for at least one hour to set.

7. Once chilled, unwrap it and serve with your favorite crackers or veggies and enjoy the kick of smoky bacon and zesty jalapenos.

Equipment Needed

1. A mixing bowl for combining the cream cheese and cheddar
2. Measuring cups and spoons to get the right amounts of spices
3. A knife to dice the jalapenos and chop the green onions
4. A cutting board to safely prep your ingredients
5. A spatula or mixing spoon to stir everything together
6. Plastic wrap to tightly wrap the cheese ball
7. A clean flat surface to form the cheese ball
8. A refrigerator for chilling the cheese ball for at least an hour

FAQ

Q: Can I adjust the heat of this recipe?

A: Yup, if you want it milder you can remove the seeds from the jalapeños or even use less of them. If you like it spicy, leave most of the seeds in.

Q: What if I dont have smoked bacon?

A: No worries, you can swap it for regular bacon or even turkey bacon. Some people leave it out completely if they're looking for a vegetarian twist.

Q: Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?

A: Sure can! Just mix everything together and chill it in the fridge for at least an hour before serving so the flavors blend really well.

Q: What kind of crackers or dippables go best with it?

A: I like serving it with sturdy crackers like water crackers, or even sliced baguette. Veggie sticks work really well too.

Q: How should I store leftovers?

A: Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. It should stay tasty for about 3 to 5 days.

Q: Can I add any extra flavors to this recipe?

A: Absolutely, you can experiment by adding a bit of paprika or even a dash of hot sauce if you're feeling adventurous.

Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you’re out of cream cheese, try using Neufchatel cheese or even a thick Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Instead of the sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack or Colby can work well for a different, smooth flavor.
Can’t get smoked bacon? Turkey bacon or pancetta can be a decent substitute and still give you that savory kick.
If jalapeños are too spicy or hard to find, diced green chilies or even mild poblano peppers make a good swap.
For green onions, you can sub in some freshly chopped chives or even a little bit of regular onion for a more subtle crunch.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your cream cheese is really soft before you begin mixing so you dont end up with lumpy bits in your cheese ball.
2. When you cook your bacon, dry it well on a paper towel so you get that extra crunch without too much grease messing up the flavor.
3. If you ain’t into super spicy flavors, take your time removing most of the seeds out of the jalapenos.
4. Let your cheese ball chill for more than one hour if you can, that extra time in the fridge really helps meld all the flavors together.