Spicy Bacon Cheese Balls with Jalapeño Twist
Delicious cheese balls bursting with flavor from bacon and jalapeños, perfect for any gathering.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 cheese balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking or Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free breadcrumbs)
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crumbled bacon
- 2 jalapeños, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray or oil for baking/frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and finely chopped jalapeños. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Season the Cheese Blend: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the cheese mixture. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
- Form the Cheese Balls: Using your hands, roll the mixture into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill for Firmness: Refrigerate the cheese balls for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat oil for frying.
- Bake or Fry to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes or fry for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to Cool and Serve: Enjoy warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For a milder option, remove jalapeño seeds. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese ball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg