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!

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Chilling Time 4

Total Time 4 10

Servings 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