Description
Savory bacon jalapeño popper cheese balls deliver creamy, spicy comfort with crispy bacon edges. Cheese-loving guests will devour these irresistible appetizers at parties or game nights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 450 g (16 oz) cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 475 ml (16 oz) bacon (finely crumbled, additional as needed)
- 240 ml (8 oz) jalapeños (seeds removed and finely diced)
- 120 ml (4 oz) sharp cheddar cheese (finely shredded)
- 120 ml (4 oz) fresh chives (finely minced)
- 1/2 medium red onion (finely minced, optional)
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) mayonnaise
- 5 ml (1 tsp) ground black pepper
- 5 ml (1 tsp) cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing vessel, blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, sharp cheddar, diced jalapeños, most bacon crumbles, red onion, black pepper, and Cayenne pepper. Whip the ingredients until achieving a smooth, airy texture that will serve as the foundation for the cheese balls.
- Distribute the remaining bacon crumbles evenly across a shallow platter. Using a cookie scoop, form uniform cheese mixture portions into rounded spheres. Methodically roll each ball through the bacon crumbles, ensuring comprehensive exterior coverage.
- Transfer the bacon-encrusted cheese orbs into the refrigerator. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavor melding and structural solidification. Cold temperature will enhance the balls’ structural integrity and taste profile.
Notes
- Choose jalapeños with varying heat levels to customize spiciness, allowing everyone to enjoy the appetizer according to their taste preferences.
- Make the cheese balls ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours, which helps the flavors develop and makes party prep easier.
- Offer gluten-free alternatives by using turkey bacon or plant-based bacon crumbles for those with dietary restrictions or health concerns.
- Consider using low-fat cream cheese and reduced-sodium bacon to create a lighter version of the recipe without compromising delicious flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 202 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg