Jalapeño Cheese Ball

This jalapeño cheese ball loaded with bacon, jalapeños, onions and sharp cheddar is creamy, flavorful and the ultimate crowd pleaser.

If you like easy appetizers like this, try my taco dip, jalapeño poppers, and queso blanco.

As a lover of all chips and dips, you might be surprised to know that I was well into adulthood before trying a cheese ball for the first time, but once I did, I was immediately hooked. Creamy, indulgent cheese mixed with bold fillings like bacon, cheese, red onion, green onion and spicy jalapeños. What’s not to love?

Here’s why this recipe is awesome:

• Perfect for large meetings. This jalapeño cheese ball will undoubtedly be a crowd favorite for potlucks, holidays, game days and family dinners. You can prepare it the night before and finish it before serving it.
• It’s really easy to make. This recipe requires just a little mixing, shaping, and cooling. No fancy techniques or equipment!

Necessary ingredients

• Cream cheese: This is the main ingredient for this cheese ball. The key to this recipe is the temperature of the cream cheese mixture. It needs to soften slightly but not too much, otherwise it won’t hold its shape. I recommend using it straight out of the fridge.
• Sour cream: A few tablespoons of sour cream add a little tanginess and give the cheese ball the perfect texture.
• Seasonings: A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, dill and kosher salt gives the cheese ball a savory, tangy flavor that complements the fillings.
• Bacon: This ingredient is what makes it truly delicious! I opt for thick cut hickory smoked bacon for an extra savory, savory flavor, but you can use any variation you like.
• Sharp Cheddar: Adds extra creaminess and tangy flavor. I recommend buying a block of cheese and shredding it yourself. This will make the cheese softer and blend better with the cheese ball.
• Jalapeno: Adds a slightly sweet and peppery taste. To keep this recipe mild and more crowd-friendly, I removed the ribs and seeds, but you can leave them in for a spicy kick.
• Red onion: This type of onion is preferable to eat raw and has a spicy and strong flavour.
• Green onion: It adds a herbaceous and slightly sweet flavor, great for garnishing the outside.

How to make a jalapeño cheese ball

Make a cream cheese mixture combining cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and kosher salt in a large bowl.

Mix half the chopped bacon, diced jalapeños, shredded cheese, red onion, and green onion with a spatula. Then, form a ball with the mixture wrapped in a piece of cling film and place it in the refrigerator for at least two hours or overnight.

Roll the cheese ball in the remaining chopped bacon, diced jalapeños, shredded cheese, red onion, and green onion.

Serve with crackers, pita chips or tortilla chips.

Serving Tips

The jalapeño cheese ball makes a fantastic appetizer and is perfect for hosting parties, potlucks, and holidays like Cinco de Mayo, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.

I recommend serving it with your favorite crackers (Ritz and Buttery Club crackers are especially delicious), pita chips, or tortilla chips. If you want to make something a little healthier, vegetables like celery sticks, sliced ​​peppers and carrot sticks are great.

Frequently asked questions

Warehousing

To store, wrap the jalapeño cheese ball in plastic wrap, then wrap with an additional layer of plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month.

Other appetizers

If you have tried this Jalapeño Cheese Balls Recipe or any other recipe on Isabel Eats, don’t forget evaluate it and let me know how it went in the comments below! I love hearing about your experience making it.