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Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls

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These bacon jalapeño popper cheese balls are a quick, craveable party appetizer featuring creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and a spicy jalapeño kick. They’re easy to make, gluten-free, and guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp)
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve 2 tablespoons for coating)
  • 2 medium jalapeños, finely diced, seeds removed for less heat
  • 2 green onions, finely sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced (plus extra for coating)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt, to taste
  • Optional: smoked paprika (for a hint of smokiness)
  • Optional: crushed red pepper flakes (for extra heat)
  • Optional: crumbled blue cheese (for a gourmet twist)
  • Optional: extra shredded cheddar for coating

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Fry or bake 8 strips of bacon until crispy (about 10-12 minutes at 400°F). Drain, cool, and crumble. Reserve 2 tablespoons for coating.
  2. Prep the vegetables: Finely dice jalapeños (remove seeds for less heat), slice green onions, and mince parsley.
  3. Mix the cheese base: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Mix until smooth and well blended.
  4. Add the flavor: Stir in crumbled bacon (except reserved), diced jalapeños, green onions, parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to taste. Mix until evenly distributed.
  5. Shape the cheese balls: Scoop 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll between your palms to form a ball (about 1 inch diameter). Repeat with remaining mixture (makes about 18-20 balls).
  6. Roll in toppings: On a plate, combine reserved bacon, extra parsley, and extra cheddar if desired. Roll each cheese ball in the mixture to coat.
  7. Chill before serving: Place cheese balls on a lined baking sheet or plate. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours) to firm up.
  8. Serve: Arrange on a platter with toothpicks or pretzel sticks. Garnish with extra parsley or jalapeño slices if desired.

Notes

For best results, chill the cheese balls before serving so they firm up and flavors meld. Roll in bacon just before serving for maximum crunch. Adjust jalapeño amount for desired heat. Can be made vegetarian by swapping bacon for smoked almonds or sunflower seeds. Cheese balls can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen (uncoated) for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon, jalapeño popper, cheese balls, appetizer, party food, gluten-free, keto, low carb, make ahead, snack

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/bacon-jalape-n-o-popper-cheese-balls-recipe-easy-party-appetizer-ideas/