Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball Recipe

September 29, 2019 by Beth Pierce 195 Comments

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This Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball Recipe contains all your favorite jalapeno popper flavors like crisp smoked bacon, spicy minced jalapeno, sharp cheddar, and smooth cream cheese. The holiday season is quickly approaching and everyone should have a few great appetizer recipes.

I love a good cheese ball. I mean, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love it? There is something special about a hunk of soft creamy blended cheese with spicy jalapenos, crisp smoked bacon, and sweet chopped scallions. In a hurry? No problem, make it up to five days in advance but save the outer toppings for about twenty minutes before serving.

How do you make a Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball Recipe?

First, using a stand or hand mixer on medium speed, beat your cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Turn to low and mix in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, half of the chopped bacon, half of the minced jalapeno, and half of the chopped green onions. Combine your reserved cheddar, bacon, jalapenos, and green onions in a small zipper storage bag. Place in the refrigerator and store until your cheese ball chills.

Now lay out a large piece of plastic wrap on a countertop. Spoon the cheese into a ball shape and bring up the sides of the plastic wrap to cover the cheese ball. Utilize the wrapping process to help shape the cheese into a ball. Refrigerate the ball overnight or for up to six days. I usually place it back in the coldest part of the fridge.

Remove the ball about twenty minutes before serving. Spread your reserved cheddar, bacon, jalapenos, and green onions on a cutting board or large plate. Unwrap the ball and roll in the reserved toppings. Serve with assorted crackers, crostini, carrots, celery, pretzels, or apple slices.

Recipe notes and helpful tips

Plan ahead and slightly soften your cream cheese. You want it soft enough to blend but not so soft that it is difficult to form your cheese ball.
Use good quality cheddar cheese and grate it yourself. It has a much better flavor than the pre-shredded cheese.
Remove the stems, seeds, and veins from your jalapeno using plastic gloves. Or, at the very least, be careful not to touch your eyes and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
Be sure to read my section on picking mild jalapenos.
Make it at least one day in advance. This allows enough time for it to firm up.
If your cheese ball is difficult to shape, try again after several hours of refrigeration and mold it while it is wrapped up.
For best results, remove the cheese ball 20 minutes before serving and roll in the reserved topping.

How do you choose mild jalapenos?

With just a little understanding and patience, you can pick flavorful and mild jalapenos. Look for the young peppers that are smooth and green all over with no striations or blemishes. These young green peppers are milder. Stay away from peppers with white lines, flecks, and red ones, as these peppers are older and much hotter. Take your time picking the peppers.

Other delicious appetizers you will love!