Description
Savory bacon jalapeño popper cheese balls deliver a spicy, creamy explosion of flavor in one irresistible bite. Crispy exterior and melty center guarantee party guests will devour these addictive appetizers with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Bacon Jalapeno Popper Cheese Balls
Main Cheese Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup (60 grams) sour cream
Flavor Enhancers:
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh jalapenos, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Coating Ingredients:
- ½ cup (50 grams) panko breadcrumbs, toasted
- 2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Craft a velvety base by whipping cream cheese, cheddar, and sour cream until silky and uniform, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Incorporate crumbled bacon, diced jalapenos, green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into the cream mixture, gently folding until evenly distributed.
- Seal the bowl with plastic wrap and nestle in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and mixture to firm up.
- While chilling, prepare a rustic coating by combining toasted panko breadcrumbs, additional crumbled bacon, and fresh parsley in a shallow dish.
- Remove chilled mixture and use a small spoon to portion out bite-sized rounds, rolling each between palms to create smooth spheres.
- Delicately roll each cheese sphere through the crunchy bacon-panko mixture, applying gentle pressure to ensure a complete and even coating.
- Transfer coated cheese balls to a serving platter, returning to the refrigerator to maintain their shape and chill until guests arrive.
- Present alongside crisp crackers, twisty pretzels, or a colorful array of fresh vegetable sticks for an irresistible appetizer experience.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth blending, preventing lumpy texture and making mixing easier.
- Adjust jalapeno heat by removing seeds and membranes for milder flavor or adding more for extra spiciness.
- Use high-quality thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispy texture when crumbling into coating and mixture.
- Prepare cheese balls ahead of time and freeze for up to a month, allowing convenient make-ahead party appetizer option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 125
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg