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Easy Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball

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This easy to make Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball has been in my recipe box for decades and is always the hit of any gathering. The first time I made it for a big game it was gone–before the guests arrived. Thankfully it can be made in minutes and a second one was ready before kickoff.

A bacon covered jalapeño popper cheese ball with butter crackers around the outside.
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    Why this Recipe Works

    • The combination of flavors work so amazingly together.
    • The bacon on the outside of the cheese ball adds the perfect finishing touch.
    • It is the perfect make ahead appetizer.
    • This cheese ball is a crowd pleaser. Be ready to have everyone ask for the recipe.

    What goes into this Recipe

    The ingredients needed to make a jalapeño popper cheese ball.
    • Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is the perfect base for this easy appetizer. It is also the base of this Pepperoni Pizza Cheese Ball.
    • Shredded cheese: I like to use a Colby-Jack or cheddar cheese for the fun color and flavor.
    • Jalapeños: Pickled jalapeños are the perfect addition because they give the cheeseball a bit of heat but not too much. I also love using them in these jalapeño popper crescent bites.
    • Cooked Bacon: Coating the outside of this jalapeño poppers cheese ball is heavenly.

    See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

    How to make a Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball

    1. In a mixing bowl combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, jalapeños & spices.  Stir {or use a hand mixer} until all of the ingredients are well incorporated.
    2. Place a large piece of plastic wrap on the counter and add the cream cheese mixture to the middle.  Gather the corners of plastic wrap and shape the cheese mixture into a ball.
    Combine the ingredients and then place the cheese mixture on plastic wrap.
    1. Wrap it up tightly and place in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes or until ready to serve.
    2. Add chopped bacon to a large plate in an even layer.  Remove the cheese ball from the wrap and place on top of the bacon.  Gently roll the cheese ball in the bacon until it is completely coated. Note: You may need to use your hands to cover it completely. Serve with crackers or veggies and enjoy.
    Using the plastic wrap to shape the cheese ball and rolling it in bacon.

    Expert Tips

    • Use full fat cream cheese. This ensures that you have a good texture and flavor in this jalapeño popper cheese ball recipe.
    • Add a few sliced green onions to the cheese mixture. The taste goes perfectly with the jalapeños and cheese.
    • Use the plastic wrap to help shape the cheese ball. It works great to get a good ball shape and helps keep the mess down.
    • Be sure to let the cheese ball set up for at least 10 minutes. The time in the refrigerator will help it set up.

    Storage and Freezing

    Store: This cheese ball with jalapeño recipe keeps well for up to 5 days in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.

    Freeze: You can freeze this jalapeño popper ball recipe for up to 4 weeks.  For best results wrap it in plastic wrap, aluminum foil and then place in a freezer bag.  Thaw in the fridge and serve as desired.

    Recipe FAQs

    How do you make a cheese ball firmer?

    If it isn’t holding its shape then the cream cheese was too soft and will need a bit longer in the refrigerator to set up.

    Can you make this recipe ahead of time?

    Yes, jalapeño popper cheese balls can easily be made a day or two ahead of time. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.

    What other appetizers go well with this recipe?

    I love to add this cheese ball to a summer charcuterie board or serve it alongside a bruschetta dip with butter crackers and carrot sticks.

    A jalapeño popper cheese ball on a plate with lots of bacon on the outside.

    Do you love to make easy appetizers? Try these recipes…

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    A bacon coated jalapeño popper cheese ball with butter crackers around it.

    Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball

    Full of all of the great flavors that Jalapeño poppers offer but made in a fraction of the time.  It is perfect for your football game spread.
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 8 servings
    Calories: 134kcal
    5 from 2 votes
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    Ingredients

    • 8 ounces cream cheese {softened}
    • ½ cup shredded cheese {I used Colby-Jack}
    • ¼ cup pickled jalapeños {finely chopped}
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon cumin
    • teaspoon black pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 10 slices bacon {cooked, drained & finely chopped}

    Instructions

    • In a mixing bowl combine cream cheese, shredded cheese, jalapenos & spices.  Stir until all of the ingredients are well incorporated.
    • Place a large piece of plastic wrap on the counter and add the cheese mixture to the middle.  Gather the corners of plastic wrap and shape the cheese mixture into a ball.
    • Place in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes or until ready to serve.
    • Add the chopped bacon to a large plate in an even layer.  Remove the cheese ball from the wrap and place on top of the bacon.  Gently roll in bacon until completely coated, you may have to use your hands to cover completely.
    • Serve on a plate with crackers or veggies and enjoy.

    Notes

    • Use full fat cream cheese to ensure that you have a good texture and flavor.
    • Add a few sliced green onions to the cheese mixture. 
    • Use the plastic wrap to help shape the cheese ball. It works great to shape the cheese ball and helps keep the mess down.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 279mg | Potassium: 56mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 502IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 0.2mg
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