Description
This Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball is a flavorful and creamy appetizer combining sharp cheddar, spicy jalapeños, and crispy bacon. Mixed with aromatic spices and fresh green onions, then chilled to firm perfection and optionally coated with crunchy pecans and parsley, it makes an irresistible party snack served with crackers or veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Coating (Optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
To Serve
- Crackers or veggies
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chopped green onions. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Use your hands or a spatula to shape the cheese mixture into a firm ball. Ensure the shape is compact so it holds together well when chilled.
- Chill the Cheese Ball: Wrap the formed cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up and the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Coating: If using, mix together the chopped pecans and chopped fresh parsley in a shallow bowl to create the coating mixture.
- Coat the Cheese Ball: Remove the chilled cheese ball from the fridge and unwrap it. Roll it evenly in the pecan and parsley mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating to the surface.
- Serve: Place the coated cheese ball on a serving plate and serve with crackers, sliced veggies, or toasted bread for dipping and spreading.
Notes
- For a spicier cheese ball, leave the seeds in one jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
- You can substitute pecans in the coating with crushed pretzels or crushed crispy bacon for a different crunchy texture.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- The cheese ball can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to enhance the flavor.
