Cheese balls are a classic party appetizer and this Jalapeno bacon cheese ball is one of the best. It has the most perfect combination of creamy cheese, spicy jalapenos and salty bacon.
It is sure to be the biggest hit at any party.
If you want to get a little adventurous with how you serve this delicious cheese ball then ditch the usual veggies and crackers.
This Jalapeno Bacon Cheese Ball would be the perfect match with pear and apple slices.
Crostini, toasted mini bagels, pretzels, pita triangles or roasted potato wedges would work well too!
Jalapeno Bacon Cheese Ball
Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes |
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
8 thick-cut slices of bacon
½ large jalapeño pepper, finely minced, divided
8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
½ c. Mexican-blend cheese, finely shredded
½ t. smoked paprika
½ t. Mexican oregano
½ t. chipotle powder
½ t. garlic powder
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions:
Line a large plate with paper towels and place 4 slices of bacon on top. Cover with additional paper towels. Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, or until bacon is crispy. Remove from microwave and discard paper towels. Repeat process with additional paper towels and remaining slices of bacon.
Place crispy bacon in a food processor and pulse briefly until roughly chopped. Transfer bacon crumbs to a large bowl, along with half the jalapeño pepper, and stir to combine. Set aside.
Combine the remaining jalapeño pepper, cream cheese, Mexican cheese, smoked paprika, Mexican oregano, chipotle powder, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir vigorously to combine.
Shape the cheese mixture into a ball with your hands and transfer to a serving plate. Place in the refrigerator to firm up a bit, approximately 5-10 minutes.
Remove cheese ball from refrigerator and gently roll in the bacon jalapeño mixture until thoroughly coated. Return to serving dish and serve immediately with sliced vegetables and/or gluten-free crackers. Enjoy!
Jalapeno Bacon Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 8 thick-cut slices of bacon
- ½ large jalapeño pepper, finely minced, divided
- 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ c. Mexican-blend cheese, finely shredded
- ½ t. smoked paprika
- ½ t. Mexican oregano
- ½ t. chipotle powder
- ½ t. garlic powder
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Line a large plate with paper towels and place 4 slices of bacon on top. Cover with additional paper towels. Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, or until bacon is crispy. Remove from microwave and discard paper towels. Repeat process with additional paper towels and remaining slices of bacon.
- Place crispy bacon in a food processor and pulse briefly until roughly chopped. Transfer bacon crumbs to a large bowl, along with half the jalapeño pepper, and stir to combine. Set aside.
- Combine the remaining jalapeño pepper, cream cheese, Mexican cheese, smoked paprika, Mexican oregano, chipotle powder, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir vigorously to combine.
- Shape the cheese mixture into a ball with your hands and transfer to a serving plate. Place in the refrigerator to firm up a bit, approximately 5-10 minutes.
- Remove cheese ball from refrigerator and gently roll in the bacon jalapeño mixture until thoroughly coated. Return to serving dish and serve immediately with sliced vegetables and/or gluten-free crackers. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Serving Size:
1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Liz Lampman is a coffee-fuelled Mom of 2 girls and lives in Hamilton, Ontario. She enjoys cooking and baking, food photography, and reading.
