Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball is the quintessential appetizer for parties, whether it be small or large gatherings. An easy-to-make cheese ball with simple ingredients, this one will have your guests coming back for more!
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword holiday cheese ball, jalapeno popper cheese ball, party appetizer
Prep Time 20 minutesminutes
chilling time 2 hourshours
Total Time 2 hourshours20 minutesminutes
Servings 12servings
Calories 183kcal
Author Sue Ringsdorf
Ingredients
16oz.cream cheese light- softened
1/4cupplain Greek yogurt- or sour cream
1/2teaspoongarlic powder
1/2teaspoononion powder
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper- to taste
8slicescrispy bacon- crumbled
8oz.sharp cheddar cheese- freshly grated
1/2cupjalapeños- diced
1/2cupgreen onion- diced
crackers or veggies- to serve
Instructions
Combine all ingredients (reserving 1/4 cup of the bacon, cheese, jalapenos, and green onions). In a mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer to combine. Then use your hands to form a nice round ball and wrap in saran. Place in refrigerator for several hours.
Use reserved ingredients to press into the cheese ball. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serve cheese ball with crackers, chips, and/or veggies.
Notes
Some things to consider when using jalapeños:
Some jalapeños are hotter than others. Boy, do I know this fact. I’ve used jalapeños SO much in my cooking since moving to Texas, and while I sincerely love them, they can betray even a spice lover like me. I love this explanation by Elise Bauer, “The older the pepper, and the more stress the plant has been under, the more white lines you’ll see, and the hotter the pepper will be. The smoother the pepper, the younger, less stressed, and milder it is.“
Always use gloves when handling the insides of jalapeños. Guys, I know this, because I’ve literally used my bare hands to deseed them. BIG mistake!
Never touch your eyes after handling jalapeños. Lesson learned after burning my eyes while putting my contacts in. OUCH!