Description
Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls are a delicious fusion of creamy, cheesy goodness and zesty, spicy flavor. Perfect for parties, game days, or casual snacks, these crispy bites will be the highlight of any gathering. With a rich filling of cream cheese, cheddar, and pepper jack cheese mixed with savory bacon and jalapeños, each ball offers an irresistible taste experience that balances spice and comfort. Easy to prepare and highly customizable, you can adjust the heat to suit your preferences. These cheese balls are sure to impress your guests while being a hit among both kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 4 strips cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 2 jalapeños (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped chives
- Jalapeño slices
- Extra parsley or chives
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cheddar, pepper jack, sour cream, crumbled bacon, jalapeños, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well mixed.
- Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll into 1-inch balls; place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- In another bowl, mix crushed crackers with additional crumbled bacon; roll each ball in this mixture until fully coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help hold shape during baking.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 182mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 13mg