This Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Ball recipe is packed with flavor and sure to disappear quickly at holiday or office parties. And here’s the best part. It’s so easy to make yet so addictively tasty that it will outshine even the fanciest appetizers.
It’s almost unfair.
I’m telling you, bacon jalapeño cheese balls are great for all kinds of occasions. Christmas celebrations work especially well because of the festive red and green colors. But they’re also perfect for Thanksgiving, the Super Bowl, New Year’s Eve, and even graduation parties.
By the way, if you’re looking for more party appetizers, I’ve got you covered with these bite-sized mini cheese balls with pretzel sticks, this olive cheese ball, and our buffalo chicken dip.
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❱❱ PIN IT OR FORGET IT ❰❰
Why You’ll Love This Recipe…
- Move over “bacon-wrapped goat cheese stuffed dates.” This bacon jalapeño cheese ball has all the flavor and none of the hoity-toity, pinky-in-the-air nonsense. Just simple, unapologetic deliciousness.
- Do you love being prepared? Wait, just so you know…I’m not talking about doomsday-level preparedness. Just having your ducks in a row. Well, this appetizer is perfect for making ahead of time because it needs to be chilled anyway. So prep everything a day in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. That’s how you check stuff off the to-do list. 😆
- Oh, and did I mention…bacon and jalapeño? Come on!
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese – Softened at room temperature. This provides most of the bulk for the cheese ball.
- Bacon – Cooked and chopped into bits.
- Jalapeño – Adds a spicy kick and color to the coating.
- Shredded Cheese – We used sharp cheddar and pepper jack, but you can go with other cheeses if you like.
- Green Onions
- Worcestershire – Adds so much flavor!
- Garlic Powder
- Lime Juice – Fresh squeezed.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to Make The Best Bacon JALAPEÑO Cheese Ball
Add the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, half of the bacon, half of the jalapeños, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and lime juice to a large bowl. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Cover the mixture and refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until firm enough to shape.
Transfer the mixture to a piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a ball. Wrap it tightly, then refrigerate for 1 hour.
Combine the remaining bacon and jalapeños in a shallow dish.
Roll the cheese ball in the bacon-jalapeño mixture, gently pressing the coating onto the surface. Serve with crackers, pretzels, or fresh vegetables.
Top Tip
For more of a kick, add some of the seeds and membranes (the white ribs inside the peppers) from the jalapeños. For a milder flavor, omit them completely.
Storage
Store your leftover cheese ball in a food storage container or tightly wrapped in plastic in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep it chilled until just before you serve it.
Other Party Appetizers You’ll Love
- No Bake Mixed Berry Cheesecake
- Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats
- Lemon Mousse Recipe
- Strawberry Cheesecake Dip
- Easy Oreo Delight
FAQ
For sure! Actually, that’s one of the biggest benefits to this recipe. You can make it up to a day in advance. One thing I like to do is wait until just before serving to add the bacon and jalapeño coating.
Absolutely. This will taste different with more of a tangy flavor that goes well with the richness of bacon and cheese. Just be sure to pat them dry before adding them to the mixture.
A better question is, “What can’t you serve with it?” We like buttery Club crackers, pita chips, pretzels, Wheat Thins, celery, carrots, bread, or even toasted baguette slices. Just go down the cracker aisle and you’ll find no shortage of options. 😆
Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Ball Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 Oz Cream Cheese Room Temperature
- 1 Cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- ½ Cup Shredded Pepperjack Cheese
- 8 Slices of Bacon Finely Chopped, Cooked, and Divided
- 2 Fresh Jalapenos Seeded, Finely Chopped, and Divided
- ¼ Cup Green Onions Sliced
- 1 Tsp Worcestershire Sauce
- ½ Tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Tsp Fresh Lime Juice
Instructions
- Add the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, half of the bacon, half of the jalapeños, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and lime juice to a large bowl. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Cover the mixture and refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until firm enough to shape.
- Transfer the mixture to a piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a ball. Wrap it tightly, then refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Combine the remaining bacon and jalapeños in a shallow dish.
- Roll the cheese ball in the bacon-jalapeño mixture, gently pressing the coating onto the surface. Serve with crackers, pretzels, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving so it is easier to spread.
Nutrition
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