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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball

    Published: Oct 8, 2024 · Modified: Apr 17, 2025 by Sherri · This post may contain affiliate links · 3 Comments

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    A jalapeno popper cheese ball coated with chopped jalapenos and shredded cheese, surrounded by crackers with text overlay that reads "jalapeno popper cheese ball"

    This Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball is loaded with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, crispy bacon, all rolled in a crunchy pecan coating, making it the perfect appetizer for holiday get togethers, game day or any party! 

    A jalapeño cheese ball covered with chopped green onions, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon and chopped pecans, surrounded by crackers on a white plate. A plant and light brown napkin are in the background.

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    Best Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Ball

    I don’t know about you but I love having a go-to, easy appetizers that I know are always going to be a hit at any get-together. Like this cowboy caviar and this layered taco dip and this popular rotel dip, this jalapeño popper cheese ball is one of those favorites.

    Like this bacon cheese ball, I love that it can also be made ahead 4 or 5 days in advance and then just roll in the nuts mixture just before serving so they don’t get soggy. 

    A cheese ball coated with shredded cheese, diced jalapeno peppers, sliced green onions, and crumbled bacon, surrounded by square crackers on a plate.

    If you love jalapeños, be sure to try these jalapeño popper pinwheels with puff pastries and these jalapeno popper wonton cups! They are both SO good!

    Jalapeno Cheese Ball Ingredients Notes

    Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to gather to make this recipe. Scroll down to the full recipe card for the specific amounts.

    Ingredients for a cheese ball recipe: cream cheese, cheddar cheese, jalapenos, green onions, sour cream, pecans, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, and onion powder, all displayed in bowls.
    • Cream Cheese – at room temperature. You can let it sit out for 20-30 minutes on the counter. I use ⅓ less fat cream cheese but use full fat too. Use plain cream cheese and not the whipped cream cheese for best results.
    • Sharp Cheddar Cheese – shredded. You can swap the cheddar cheese for another favorite like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack or even pepper jack cheese. 
    • Bacon – Cook your own bacon on the stove, in the oven, or in the microwave. You can also used boxed pre-cooked that is crisped up in the microwave.
    • Jalapeños  – diced with the seeds and membranes removed. You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of seeds you add into it.
    • Sour Cream  – You can also use light sour cream or regular. 
    • Garlic Powder & Onion Powder  – perfect flavor addition!
    • Salt and Pepper – to taste
    • Green Onions – I use the green parts only but you can add some of the white if you’d like more onion flavors.
    • Pecans  – chopped for a crunchy coating. Feel free to swap this with sliced almonds or chopped walnuts .

    Variations

    Make it spicier! Leave in some of the jalapeno seeds or add a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

    Make them into cheese ball bites by scooping a tablespoon or so and rolling into individual balls then roll in the chopped nuts. You can place a pretzel stick into each one or serve with toothpicks.

    How to Make this Bacon Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball 

    A bowl of cream cheese with bowls of shredded cheese, chopped green onions, chopped bacon, and nuts in the background.

    Step 1: In a large mixing bowl,  add the softened cream cheese and stir it to soften.

    A bowl containing a cream cheese mixture with herbs, with a spoon inside. Nearby are bowls of chopped green onions and shredded cheese.

    Step 2: Add ⅔ of the shredded cheese, ⅔ of the diced jalapeno, half of the chopped bacon, the sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder salt and pepper. Mix it all together until well combined.

    A round cheese ball with visible herbs and cheddar cheese on a white surface.
    Ball of seasoned cream cheese wrapped in plastic wrap on a marble surface.

    Step 3: Shape the cream cheese mixture into a ball and place it on plastic wrap and then wrap it tightly.

    Step 4: Place the cheese ball in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

    A white plate filled with shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions and crumbled bacon on a white background.

    Step 5: When ready to serve, mix the remaining jalapeños, bacon crumbles, cheese, green onions, and pecans together in a bowl.  Remove the cheese ball from the plastic wrap and roll it in this mixture to coat it completely

    Jalapeno cheese ball coated with chopped nuts, diced jalapenos, and shredded cheese, surrounded by rectangle crackers on a white surface.

    Serve with your favorite crackers or veggies and enjoy!

    Tips

    • For best flavor, let the cheese ball chill overnight for the flavors to meld together.
    •  Freshly grated cheese is the best in my opinion. Use can use pre-shredded cheeses have an anti-caking agent that keeps it from being as creamy. 
    • Use a stand or hand mixer on medium speed to blend the ingredients until smooth instead of stirring by hand.
    • Be sure the cream cheese is at room temperature so it is smooth and creamy and blends easier. 

    How to Store Leftovers

    If you have any leftovers, store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.

    Can you freeze cheese balls?

    Although it’s best served fresh, you can freeze the cheese ball before rolling it in the toppings. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil and place it in a freezer bag or freezer safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before adding the outside coating.

    If you like this recipe, please leave us a comment and rate it in the recipe card. We would love for you to join us and over 300,000 followers on Facebook as well as on Pinterest and Instagram too!

    A jalapeno popper cheese ball coated with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped jalapenos and bacon bits, surrounded by rectangle crackers on a white plate.

    Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball

    This Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball is loaded with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, crispy bacon, all rolled in a crunchy pecan coating, making it the perfect appetizer for any occasion! 
    5 from 2 votes
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    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Chilling Time: 4 hours hours
    Total Time: 4 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 16 servings
    Calories: 230kcal
    Author: Sherri Hagymas

    Ingredients

    • 16 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
    • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
    • 3 jalapeños seeds and membranes removed, diced, divided
    • 8 slices of bacon cooked, crumbled, divided
    • 3 tablespoons sour cream
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • ¼ cup green onions sliced
    • ½ cup pecans chopped fine

    Instructions

    • In a large mixing bowl,  add the softened cream cheese and stir it to soften.
      16 ounces cream cheese
    • Add ⅔ of the shredded cheese, ⅔ of the diced jalapeno, half of the chopped bacon, the sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder salt and pepper. Mix it all together until well combined.
      2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 3 jalapeños, 8 slices of bacon, 3 tablespoons sour cream, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, Salt and pepper to taste
    • Shape the cream cheese mixture into a ball and place it on plastic wrap and then wrap it tightly.
    • Place the cheese ball in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
    • When ready to serve, mix the remaining jalapeños, bacon crumbles, cheese, green onions, and pecans together in a bowl.  Remove the cheese ball from the plastic wrap and roll it in this mixture to coat it completely
      ¼ cup green onions, ½ cup pecans
    • Serve with your favorite crackers or veggies and enjoy!

    Notes

    Make it spicier! Leave in some of the jalapeno seeds or add a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
    Make them into cheese ball bites by scooping a tablespoon or so and rolling into individual balls then roll in the chopped nuts. You can place a pretzel stick into each one or serve with toothpicks.
    For best flavor, let the cheese ball chill overnight for the flavors to meld together.
    For milder jalapenos, choose ones that are smooth and green with no red or white streaks.
    Freshly grated cheese is the best in my opinion. Use can use pre-shredded cheeses have an anti-caking agent that keeps it from being as creamy. 
    Use a stand or hand mixer on medium speed to blend the ingredients until smooth instead of stirring by hand.
    Be sure the cream cheese is at room temperature so it is smooth and creamy and blends easier.
    If you have any leftovers, store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
    Can you freeze cheese balls?
    Although it’s best served fresh, you can freeze the cheese ball before rolling it in the toppings. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil and place it in a freezer bag or freezer safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before adding the outside coating.
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 230kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 255mg | Potassium: 98mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 586IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 134mg | Iron: 0.2mg

    Nutritional Disclosure

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Carrie

      December 10, 2024 at 10:11 pm

      5 stars
      Gonna try this for Christmas looks yummy and refreshing.

      Reply
    2. Frankie Jo Massey

      December 10, 2024 at 9:08 pm

      5 stars
      This is a great recipe. I did one with nuts and one without. You know just in case. :–)

      Reply
      • Sherri

        December 16, 2024 at 1:05 pm

        Oh wonderful!! I am so glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    5 from 2 votes

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