Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball

This easy and delicious Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball is loaded with cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh jalapeno peppers, pecans, and BACON! Perfect for a crowd and can be enjoyed with crackers or veggies!

Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball

Everyone needs a good cheese ball recipe in their back pocket for any type of tailgating party or gathering.

I have quite a few on the blog and a few that I make all the time just because they have flavors that everyone loves. Sort of like these loaded potato skins. Onion, bacon, and cheese for the win!

Jalapeño poppers are a favorite appetizer for a lot of people so I took all the flavors and made them easier to enjoy. Instead of all the wrapping and frying, just whip up a cheese ball!

Full of sharp cheddar, spicy peppers, and crispy smoky bacon, I just can’t resist! Try it alongside this jalapeno popper dip.

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Ingredients Needed

Cream Cheese – Plain cream cheese, softened almost to room temperature. You can also use reduced fat versions of cream cheese.

Sour Cream – This is to loosen up the cheese ball. You can also use mayonnaise, plain yogurt, or a low fat version of sour cream.

Cheddar Cheese – It’s best to grate or shred the cheese at home but you can use a bag of shredded cheese.

Jalapeno Peppers – Use fresh jalapeno peppers. The pickled ones will bring too much moisture and won’t have the same flavor.

Spices – I just use garlic powder and onion powder in this recipe.

Bacon – You can use pre-cooked bacon for easier preparation. If not reserve some when you make a big batch for breakfast.

Green Onions – Two or three stalks of green onions, sliced thin.

Pecans – Using chopped, toasted pecans add some texture to the cheese ball when added to the coating.

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How to Make Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball

First: Prep, chop, slice, grate all the ingredients ahead of time. Grab a large mixing bowl and some plastic wrap.

Second: In a large bowl, whip the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the shredded cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, bacon, jalapeños, and green onion.

Mix until combined. Taste mixture and season with salt and black pepper if desired.

Third: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into plastic wrap and form into a ball shape. Wrap tightly and chill at least 1 hour or until firm.

While the cheese ball is firming up, make the coating by combining the reserved cheese, jalapeños, green onions, bacon, and pecans.

Fourth: When ready to coat, unwrap the ball, place in bowl and press into coating mixture. Turning on all sides to make sure it is completely covered. Serve with crackers and enjoy!

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can make this up to 4 days in advance. Be sure to keep coating separate and coat right before serving.

What to Serve with this Cheese Ball

• crackers
• crostini
• baguette slices
• carrots
• sliced cucumbers
• bagel chips
• pita chips

How to Store

LEFTOVERS: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Be sure not to leave the cheese ball at room temperature for more than 3 hours.

MAKE AHEAD: This recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Be sure to coat just before serving.

FREEZE: You can make this cheese ball ahead of time and freeze. Wrap tightly with two layers of plastic wrap. Store in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and coat just before serving.

Tapas Tips & Tricks

• Soften cream cheese for at least 30 minutes at room temperature for smoother mixing
• Grate your own cheese as the pre-shredded cheese has an anti-caking agent that keeps it from sticking to the cheese ball
• Place the cheese ball in the bowl of coating and then spoon the cheese mixture over the top and press in as you turn the ball. This is a less messy way of coating in my opinion.
• Make mini cheese balls for individual servings!
• Serve this with pork rinds for a low carb option
• If you like savory cheese balls, check out all my sweet cheese balls!

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

Need a party appetizer? In less than 15 minutes you can whip up this jalapeno popper cheese ball recipe and show up to the party like a boss!

Favorite Party Foods

• Pumpkin White Russian Cocktail from Michaela at An Affair from the Heart
• Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Dip from Ashley at Cheese Curd in Paradise
• Gingerbread Bundt Cake from Julie at Hostess at Heart
• Pizza Dip from Kathryn at Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog
• Snowman Cheese Ball from Liz at Eat Move Make
• Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip from Kathleen at The Fresh Cooky
• Spinach and Roasted Red Pepper Hummus from Audrey at That Recipe
• Mini Cheeseball Truffles from Teri at Our Good Life
• Everything Bagel Mini Pigs in a Blanket from Lisa at Blogghetti
• Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Potato Skins from Wendy at A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball from Rebecca at Devour Dinner
• 4 Minute Spicy Garlic Shrimp from Sue at Palatable Pastime
• Easy Italian Meatball Appetizer from Inger at Art of Natural Living
• Goat Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates from Erin at The Spiffy Cookie
• Prosciutto Wrapped Mozzarella and Basil from Karen at Karen’s Kitchen Stories
• Caprese Cups from Radha at Magical Ingredients

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