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Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls

Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls That Steal the Show

Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls are the ultimate party appetizer that will leave your guests raving.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 12 balls
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Mixture
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese softened; can be substituted with low-fat cream cheese
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese shredded; can be swapped with Monterey Jack or gouda
  • 1 cup Pepper Jack Cheese shredded; alternative cheeses can be used for a milder flavor
  • 1 cup Bacon cooked and crumbled; turkey bacon or plant-based alternatives can be used
  • 1/2 cup Jalapeños diced; for more spice, use hotter peppers or retain seeds
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced; can use garlic powder as a substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika can be replaced with regular paprika
For the Coating
  • 1 cup Crushed Crackers/Breadcrumbs whole-wheat or gluten-free options can be used
  • 1/2 cup Crumbled Bacon
  • 1 tablespoon Chopped Parsley
  • 1 tablespoon Chopped Chives can use other herbs as desired

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Hand Mixer
  • Shallow Bowl
  • Parchment Paper

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, bacon, jalapeños, garlic, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
  2. Cover the cheese mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Scoop out portions of the chilled cheese mixture and roll them into balls, roughly 1 inch in diameter.
  4. In a shallow bowl, combine crushed crackers, crumbled bacon, parsley, and chives. Mix well.
  5. Roll each cheese ball in the coating mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  6. Top each cheese ball with a slice of jalapeño for an extra spicy kick. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ballCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 7gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 400IUCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

These Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days or frozen for 3 months.

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