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Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls

Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls
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Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls are a creamy, spicy, and smoky appetizer combining melted cheddar and cream cheese with crispy bacon and fresh jalapeños. Perfect as a party snack or cozy treat, these bite-sized cheese balls are easy to prepare, customizable in heat level, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Base

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Mix-ins

  • 6 slices cooked bacon, finely crumbled
  • 2 jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for milder heat, optional)
  • 2 green onions, chopped

Optional Coating

  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for light crunchy coating)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Cook bacon until crispy, then finely crumble it. Dice the jalapeños, removing seeds if you prefer a milder heat. Chop the green onions and shred the cheddar cheese to have all ingredients ready for mixing.
  2. Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to incorporate the seasonings evenly.
  3. Add Bacon, Jalapeños, and Green Onions: Gently fold in the crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños, and chopped green onions, ensuring the mixture is evenly combined with bursts of flavor in every bite.
  4. Shape the Cheese Balls: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch diameter bite-sized balls. If desired, roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs to add a light crunch on the outside.
  5. Chill and Serve: Place the cheese balls on a plate or baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step firms them up and allows the flavors to meld perfectly before serving.

Notes

  • Chill the cream cheese until softened but not runny for best texture.
  • Drain jalapeños well to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.
  • Cook bacon until crispy to add a satisfying crunch and prevent sogginess.
  • Adjust cheese ball size based on your serving preference—smaller for finger food, larger for heartier bites.
  • Refrigerate cheese balls thoroughly to help them set and enhance flavor blending.

Nutrition

Keywords: Bacon jalapeño popper, cheese balls, appetizer, party snack, spicy cheese balls, creamy cheese appetizer, jalapeño snack, bacon cheese balls

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/bacon-jalapeo-popper-cheese-balls/