Description

These Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls are the perfect party appetizer—creamy, cheesy, spicy, and packed with flavor! They combine the bold taste of jalapeños with a rich, creamy cheese blend, coated in crispy bacon and crunchy toppings. Serve them with crackers or veggies for a crowd-pleasing treat!

Ingredients

8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 jalapeños, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup cooked bacon crumbles (optional: substitute with toasted pecans or crushed crackers)
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or green onions
1 cup crushed crackers, panko, or nuts (for coating)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 2: Form the Cheese Balls

Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, scoop out portions of the cheese mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Coat the Cheese Balls

In a shallow bowl, mix together the bacon crumbles, parsley (or green onions), and crushed crackers/panko/nuts.
Roll each cheese ball in the coating mixture until fully covered.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Place the coated cheese balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Serve chilled with crackers, pretzels, or fresh veggies.

Notes

Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the cheese balls up to 24 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to serve.
Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer jalapeños or using mild green chilies instead.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cheese ball
Calories: ~120 kcal
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Jalapeño popper cheese balls, party appetizers, spicy cheese balls, easy appetizer recipe, cheese ball recipe, bacon cheese balls, no-cook appetizers

In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, scoop out portions of the cheese mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

In a shallow bowl, mix together the bacon crumbles, parsley (or green onions), and crushed crackers/panko/nuts.

Roll each cheese ball in the coating mixture until fully covered.

Place the coated cheese balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Serve chilled with crackers, pretzels, or fresh veggies.