Mexican Cheese Ball with Spicy Tortilla Chips
This Mexican Cheese Ball with Spicy Tortilla Chips is the perfect appetizer! The kick of hot and spicy taco seasoning and the crunch of cumin and chili powder-dusted tortilla chips makes this a tasty combination!
Mexican Cheese Ball
With the “Big Game” just around the corner, all die-hard football lovers are gearing up for their game day with new recipes and party planning!
Everyone loves cheese, so a Mexican cheese ball is a perfect appetizer to serve! The bonus is that you can make it ahead of time and just unwrap and serve at the “Big Game!”
This easy cheese ball with taco spices is perfect for Taco Tuesday too!
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my disclosure policy.
To get my recipe started, I grabbed some chopped green chilies, some taco seasoning – hot and spicy, of course!
I even added an avocado to add to the cheese ball which makes the texture even creamier!
Ingredients for Taco Cheese Ball
Cream Cheese – make sure the cream cheese is softened so it blends smoother.
Shredded Cheese – I like sharp cheddar but you can also use pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
Avocado – This adds to the creaminess of the cheese ball and also add some healthy fats to the recipe.
Taco Seasoning – Homemade Taco Seasoning is best but you can also use store-bought in a pinch.
Chopped Green Chilies – If you want to drain the green chilies before you add to the cheese ball, it will make it thicker. If you drain the the chilies, I like to reserve the juice in case you need to add it in later.
Shredded Cheese – I like cheddar the best but pepper jack is nice too!
Tortillas – Use your fave!
For more insider tips, tricks, and a behind the scenes look, follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, & X.
How to make a Mexican Cheese Ball
- In a medium bowl, add the cream cheese, avocado, chopped green chilies, taco seasoning, and shredded cheese. Mix to combine evenly.
- Either scoop out and form the mixture into a ball or leave in a bowl. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes or until ready to serve.
- Make the spicy tortilla chips by cutting into wedges. Brush with olive oil and dust with cumin and chili powder. Bake at 350F for 5 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and serve with cheese ball.
For full recipe and detailed directions please scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Can I make it ahead of time?
This cheese ball can be made up to 3 days in advance. Just keep tightly wrapped in the fridge until ready to serve.
Can I freeze it?
You can freeze the cheese ball for up to 3 months. Just wrap tightly in plastic wrap (2 layers) and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator before ready to serve. Serve with tortilla chips or these homemade chips!
How long does it last?
Once the cheese ball is made, it will last for 3 days in the refrigerator. After that it will start to get loose and won’t hold together as well.
Tapas Tips & Tricks
- be sure the cream cheese is softened but not quite room temperature. it will help the cream cheese blend more completely.
- drain the chopped green chilies if you want the cheese ball to be thicker.
- if you prefer to serve it as a dip, don’t drain the green chilies.
- preheat the oven so it’s ready when you want to make the chips.
- you can use taco seasoning to spice up the tortilla chips if you don’t want to use just the cumin and chili powder.
- the cheese ball flavor is stronger the longer it sits.
If you love this recipe as much as I do, please leave us a five-star review in the comment section below. Thanks!
More Easy Appetizers
- walking tacos
- Mexican Mocha
- mexican beer cheese dip
- chicken nachos
- restaurant style salsa
- jalapeno popper cheese ball
- classic cheese ball
Mexican Cheese Ball with Spicy Tortilla Chips
Ingredients
Mexican Cheese Ball
- 8 ounces of cream cheese softened
- 4 ounces of jalapeno cheese
- 4 ounces of Mexican style cheese
- 1/2 ripe avocado
- 1 small can of chopped green chilies drained
- 2 teaspoons hot and spicy taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 squeeze of lime
Tortillas
- 8 flour tortillas
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Make the Mexican Cheese Ball
- Mix all the ingredients for the cheese ball in a stand mixer, or if you are strong, by hand.
- Wrap in plastic until ready to serve.
- When ready to serve, dust with taco seasoning and chili powder.
Make the Tortilla Chips
- Cut the tortillas into wedges.
- Brush or toss with olive oil.
- Dust with cumin and chili powder.
- Bake at 350 for 5 minutes or until toasty brown and fragrant.
- Serve with the cheese ball!
Notes
Nutrition
©TakeTwoTapas.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
{Originally published 1/21/16 – note and photos updated 03/03/21}
That’s one spicy treat! Your pics look so nice. 🙂
Thank you Barbara! It will be great with some gluten-free chips!
Looks so tasty! Great for easy entertaining too.
Thank you Susan!
I’m only into the game for the FOOD! 🙂 I’m making a bunch of desserts, wings, maybe some tatchos… 🙂 This recipe looks great!
I want to try my hand at making tachos too! They are so fun!
I can never leave cheese balls alone if they are on the table. It doesn’t matter what flavor combination they contain. I think your Mexican variety sounds perfect.
Cheese ball is the one thing that I’ve never had a Mexican version of. I don’t know why not though, because this looks wonderful. I love how easy cheese balls are to make ahead of time when you are having friends over. Such a time saver.
I love having them in my fridge because my kids eat them for after school snack and they hold up for a few days so you can always have on on hand!
Love this cheese ball – so tasty and pretty. I’m not sure a bunch of football watching folks will appreciate it sufficiently – you should make them turn off the tv and gaze at it before diving in:)
I think I am going to present it Vanna White style. Just stand in front of the TV:)
Hmmm…I’m thinking this! I love making appetizers. Game day snacks are the best! This looks delicious and I’m featuring it at #FoodieFriDIY this week!
Thanks so much for the feature!!!
I am making hot wings and nachos for the big game.
Those are the ultimate game day food!
I think I’ll make beer queso nachos. Yum!
OH I would love to try those!
I am making nachos..we love them.
Those are a sure way to please a lot of different palates!
I will be making the easy taco queso dip from the site!
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
I know that will be a big hit at your big game party!
I will make the mini sevel layer dips that they have for sure. My fmaily loves to have a homemade Mexican night.
That is always a hit at my house! I think it’s all the chips they get to eat with the dip!
We are going to have a veggie tray, chicken wings, and pizza.
I love adding a veggie tray! It makes me feel less guilty for eating all the other goodies:)
I will make the mini sevel layer dips that they have for sure. My fmaily loves to have a homemade Mexican night.
I will make the mini sevel layer dips that they have for sure. My fmaily loves to have a homemade Mexican night.
I am all over this J. Love the heat and the addition of avocado. Happy Saturday!
Thanks Christine! Trying to make it “healthy” with some good fats:)
I’m not making anything. I do not watch the super bowl.
Football is not for everyone! I am really just there for the commercials:)