Description
Spicy “jalapeno popper cheese ball” delivers zesty comfort with creamy cheese and fiery peppers. Crisp crackers and fresh herbs complement this crowd-pleasing appetizer you’ll savor at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 jalapeno peppers
- 1/2 cup crispy bacon bits
Binding/Flavor Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Coating/Garnish:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 2 tbsp chopped bacon bits
Instructions
- Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes to ensure smooth blending and easy mixing.
- Dice jalapeno peppers, removing seeds for milder heat or keeping them for extra spiciness, then finely chop to create uniform pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, diced jalapenos, bacon bits, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Mix ingredients thoroughly using a hand mixer or wooden spoon until well incorporated and creates a consistent texture.
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to help firm up the cheese blend and make shaping easier.
- Meanwhile, prepare the coating by combining panko breadcrumbs, chopped chives, and additional bacon bits in a shallow dish.
- Remove cheese mixture from refrigerator and shape into a compact ball using clean hands, ensuring smooth surface.
- Roll the cheese ball completely in the prepared breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help coating adhere evenly.
- Transfer to a serving plate, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and coating to set.
- Before serving, let cheese ball sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly and enhance flavor presentation.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeno seeds, removing for mild flavor or keeping for extra spiciness.
- Ensure cream cheese is truly softened at room temperature to guarantee smooth, lump-free mixing.
- Create gluten-free version by substituting panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or gluten-free crackers.
- Make ahead and store in refrigerator up to 3 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify over time.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Rolling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 224
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg