Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball

This Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball is packed with yummy flavors like bacon, spicy jalapenos, sharp cheddar, and creamy cheese. It’s a must-have for your holiday get-togethers, so you’ll be all set with a delicious appetizer! Add it to your game day menu too!

If you love easy party appetizers, try my easy cheese ring, white queso dip and this classic million dollar dip.

this recipe!

Perfect for feeding a crowd, this Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball is versatile since you can change up the pecans to walnuts and use your favorite cheese and easily switch it up.

This cheese ball is full loaded with flavors and you guests will love it for game day parties, holiday gatherings or family movie nights.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese – be sure to soften your cream cheese at room temperature and all of the ingredients wil combine together perfectly.
• Sour cream– use full fat sour cream or light sour cream
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Jalapenos – be sure to remove all of the seeds from the jalapeños or the cheese ball will be too hot and spicy. Wearing gloves is also a good idea when removing the seeds and membranes
• Bacon – we like to cook and chop our own bacon or you can also use pre-cooked bacon in a pinch
• Sharp cheddar cheese – you can also use Monterey Jack, Colby Jack or a blend of Mexican cheese. We prefer to shred our own cheese from cheese blocks vs. the pre-shredded cheese you find in packages in the grocery store. Freshly grated cheese also sticks better when rolling the cheese ball for the final steps.
• Salt & Pepper
• Green Onions
• Pecans – you can change up our directions for finely chopped and use coarsely chopped pecans for the outside of the cheese ball

How to Make Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball

This easy appetizer recipe comes together in 15 minutes, however it does need 4 hours of chill time, so plan for that time if you’re making the cheese ball for a party of special event.

STEP ONE – In a medium mixing bowl, smooth out the cream cheese to soften.

STEP TWO – Add the sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, 2/3 of the diced jalapeno, half the chopped bacon, and about 2/3 of the shredded cheese.

STEP THREE – Fold together until well combined.

STEP FOUR – Lay out a piece of plastic wrap, and shape the cheese mixture into a ball.

STEP FIVE – Place on the plastic wrap, and wrap the cheeseball.

STEP SIX – Chill in the refrigerator 4 hours, or overnight.

STEP SEVEN – Place the remaining jalapeno, bacon, cheese, green onions, and pecans, in the refrigerator, covered, until ready to use.

STEP EIGHT – Before serving, on a plate, mix together the jalapeno, bacon, cheese, green onions, and pecans.

STEP NINE – Roll the cheeseball in this mixture, until the whole surface is covered.

STEP TEN – Serve with your favorite crackers.

Storage

Wrap any leftover cheese ball in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

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