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Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls

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Creamy, smoky, and spicy cheese balls packed with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh jalapeños. These easy, make-ahead appetizers are perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
  • 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped (divided)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for coating)
  • 1/4 cup crushed ranch-flavored crackers or panko (optional, for coating)

Instructions

  1. Soften cream cheese at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Shred cheddar cheese if using a block.
  2. Finely dice jalapeños (remove seeds for milder flavor), chop cooked bacon, and thinly slice green onions.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Blend with a hand mixer or sturdy spoon until smooth.
  4. Fold in diced jalapeños, half the chopped bacon (reserve the rest for coating), sliced green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
  5. Cover the bowl and chill the mixture in the fridge for 20 minutes.
  6. Portion the mixture into balls (about 1 tablespoon each) using a cookie scoop, melon baller, or spoon. Roll between your palms to smooth and place on a parchment-lined tray.
  7. In a shallow dish, combine remaining chopped bacon, parsley, and (if using) crushed crackers or panko. Roll each cheese ball in the mixture to coat all sides.
  8. Chill cheese balls for another 15-30 minutes for best texture, or serve immediately. Arrange on a platter with toothpicks or pretzel sticks.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute bacon with smoked almonds or sunflower seeds. To make gluten-free, omit cracker/panko coating or use gluten-free alternatives. For extra spice, use serrano peppers or add cayenne. Cheese balls can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen (before coating) for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Keywords: bacon cheese balls, jalapeño popper appetizer, party snacks, easy cheese balls, make-ahead appetizer, game day food

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