Description
A quick and easy appetizer combining crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and spicy jalapeños for a crowd-pleasing snack perfect for parties and game nights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 medium jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for milder heat)
- 2 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup extra crumbled bacon (for rolling the balls)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Fry 8 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool. Once cooled, crumble into small pieces. Reserve about 1/2 cup for rolling the balls.
- Prepare the jalapeños: Rinse and finely chop 2 medium jalapeños. Remove seeds if you prefer less heat.
- Mix the base: In a large bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer.
- Add cheeses and seasonings: Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, chopped jalapeños, 2 sliced green onions, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and salt to taste. Mix well until evenly combined.
- Fold in crumbled bacon: Mix the remaining crumbled bacon into the cheese mixture.
- Form the balls: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to scoop out the mixture, then roll between your palms to form 1-inch balls. Chill for 10 minutes if mixture feels sticky.
- Coat with bacon: Roll each cheese ball in the reserved bacon crumbles to coat completely.
- Chill: Place the cheese balls on a lined baking sheet or plate, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Serve: Arrange on a platter with toothpicks if desired and enjoy.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing. Finely chop jalapeños to balance heat. Chill cheese balls for at least 1 hour to firm up and meld flavors. For milder heat, remove jalapeño seeds or substitute with mild green chilies. Can roll balls in crushed pork rinds for keto-friendly coating. Store covered in fridge up to 3 days or freeze in airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese ball
- Calories: 90
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Protein: 5
Keywords: bacon cheese balls, spicy appetizer, jalapeño cheese balls, party snacks, easy appetizers, game night food