Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball (Print Version)
Blended cheeses, bacon, jalapeno, and cheddar rolled into a savory, spicy appetizer. Crowd-pleasing and easy to serve.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cheese Ball Mixture
01 -
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
02 -
1/2 cup sour cream
03 -
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
04 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
05 -
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
06 -
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
07 -
6 slices smoked bacon, cooked crisp and finely chopped
08 -
2 medium jalapeno peppers, stems, seeds, and veins removed, finely minced
09 -
4 green onions, finely chopped
→ Topping
10 -
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
11 -
3 slices smoked bacon, cooked crisp and finely chopped
12 -
1 medium jalapeno pepper, stem, seeds, and veins removed, finely minced
13 -
2 green onions, finely chopped
→ For Serving
14 -
Assorted crackers
15 -
Crostini
16 -
Carrot sticks
17 -
Celery sticks
18 -
Pretzels
19 -
Apple slices
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper together using a stand or hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
02 -
On low speed, mix in 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, half of the chopped bacon, half of the minced jalapeno, and half of the chopped green onions until evenly distributed.
03 -
Combine the remaining cheddar cheese, bacon, jalapeno, and green onions in a small resealable plastic bag, seal, and refrigerate until ready to use.
04 -
Place a large sheet of plastic wrap on the counter. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center and use the wrap to shape it into a firm ball. Wrap tightly and refrigerate overnight or up to six days for best texture.
05 -
About 20 minutes before serving, spread the reserved topping mixture on a large plate. Unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the topping, pressing gently to adhere. Serve with assorted crackers, crostini, carrot and celery sticks, pretzels, or apple slices.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Soften cream cheese slightly for smoother mixing, but keep it cool enough to shape easily.
02 -
Grate cheddar from a block for best flavor and texture.
03 -
Wear gloves when preparing jalapeno to avoid irritation, and wash hands thoroughly after handling.
04 -
Prepare at least one day ahead for optimal firm texture.
05 -
Chilling the cheese mixture before shaping helps form a smooth, round ball.
06 -
Allow the cheese ball to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and spreadability.