Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls

If you’re a fan of the creamy, spicy, and cheesy goodness of jalapeño poppers, you’re going to love these Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls! These bite-sized appetizers are loaded with cream cheese, cheddar, crispy bacon, and a touch of jalapeño heat, all rolled in crunchy toppings for an irresistible party treat.

Perfect for game days, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, these cheese balls are as easy to make as they are to eat!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small cookie scoop or spoon
• Plate for rolling

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup crispy bacon bits (optional)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips or panko breadcrumbs (for rolling)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Make the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, bacon bits (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Shape into Balls: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the mixture into bite-sized balls. Roll each ball between your palms to smooth the edges.
3. Prepare the Coating: On a plate, mix crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs with parsley (if using). Roll each cheese ball in the coating until fully covered.
4. Chill: Place the coated cheese balls on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
5. Serve: Arrange the cheese balls on a platter and serve with crackers, pretzels, or fresh veggies for dipping.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Chill Time

30 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 0.5g

Expert Tips

• Adjust the Spice: For milder cheese balls, use fewer jalapeños or substitute with diced green chilies. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the cheese balls up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• Creative Coatings: Try rolling the cheese balls in crushed nuts, bacon bits, or shredded cheese for different textures and flavors.

FAQs

Can I make these without bacon?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon bits for a vegetarian-friendly version.

What can I use instead of tortilla chips?
Crushed crackers, pretzels, or even finely chopped nuts work well as a coating.

Can I freeze the cheese balls?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the cream cheese may change.

How spicy are these cheese balls?
The spiciness depends on the amount of jalapeños used. Adjust to your taste preference.

How long can they stay at room temperature?
For food safety, keep the cheese balls at room temperature for no more than 2 hours.

Storing & Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: These cheese balls are best served chilled or at room temperature.

Substitutions & Variations

• Cheese Swap: Use pepper jack or gouda for a different flavor profile.
• Add Veggies: Mix in finely chopped bell peppers or green onions for extra crunch.
• Single Large Cheese Ball: Instead of individual bites, form the mixture into one large cheese ball and serve with a knife.

Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls

If you’re a fan of the creamy, spicy, and cheesy goodness of jalapeño poppers, you’re going to love these Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• - 8 oz cream cheese softened
• - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
• - 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños finely chopped
• - 1/4 cup crispy bacon bits optional
• - 1 tsp garlic powder
• - 1/2 tsp onion powder
• - 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• - Salt and pepper to taste
• - 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips or panko breadcrumbs for rolling
• - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Equipment

• - Mixing bowl
• - Spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• - Small cookie scoop or spoon
• - Plate for rolling

Method

 

1. **Make the Cheese Mixture:** In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, bacon bits (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. **Shape into Balls:** Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the mixture into bite-sized balls. Roll each ball between your palms to smooth the edges.
3. **Prepare the Coating:** On a plate, mix crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs with parsley (if using). Roll each cheese ball in the coating until fully covered.
4. **Chill:** Place the coated cheese balls on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
5. **Serve:** Arrange the cheese balls on a platter and serve with crackers, pretzels, or fresh veggies for dipping.