Description
These Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls are a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer. Creamy, spicy, and cheesy, they combine the best elements of jalapeño poppers in a fun, bite-sized format.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup minced fresh chives
- 1 cup finely diced jalapeño peppers, seeded and membranes removed (see notes)
- 2 cups finely crumbled cooked bacon, divided (see notes)
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 medium red onion, finely minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
Instructions
- Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, 1/2 cup of the crumbled bacon, minced red onion (if using), black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Mix Filling: Mix the ingredients thoroughly with a spoon, spatula, or electric mixer until they are well combined and the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Prepare Bacon Coating: Place the remaining 1 1/2 cups of crumbled bacon in a shallow dish or on a plate.
- Form Cheese Balls: Using a cookie scoop (about 1-2 tablespoons) or a spoon, scoop out portions of the cream cheese mixture. Gently roll each portion into a ball.
- Coat in Bacon: Roll each cheese ball in the crumbled bacon until it’s evenly coated.
- Chill: Place the coated cheese balls on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to several hours) to allow the cheese balls to firm up. This makes them easier to handle and serve.
- Serve
Notes
- Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Jalapeños: For a milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before dicing. For a spicier cheese ball, leave some of the seeds and membranes. Always wear gloves when handling jalapeños, and avoid touching your eyes.
- Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy before crumbling it. You can cook it in a skillet, in the oven, or in the microwave.
- Red Onion (Optional): The red onion adds a bit of sharpness and crunch. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak the minced onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes to mellow the flavor.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for its flavor, but you can use other types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
- Make-Ahead: These cheese balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these bacon jalapeño popper cheese balls with crackers, pretzels, vegetable sticks, or tortilla chips.
- Storage: store in the fridge for 3-4 days.