This bacon jalapeno cheese ball is the perfect way to spice up your next party or game day. This keto-friendly great appetizer is easy to make and even easier to eat! Plus, easy cheese ball can be made ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about last minute cooking delicious appetizer. Using spicy jalapenos, cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning along with delicious, irresistible crispy bacon will make this a huge hit an any event.
Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Ball
Bacon and jalapeno go so well together that they’re the perfect match for a cheese ball. The combination of so much flavor in this dish make it one of the best go-to appetizer recipes. You won’t be able to stop eating these little balls once they hit the table! They’re spicy, cheesy, and crispy on the outside with a gooey center that will leave you wanting more.
What is a Cheese Ball?
A cheese ball is a simple appetizer that comes together with just a few ingredients. They’re often served at parties or on holidays and have been around since the 1940’s. Cheese balls are generally made from cream cheese, cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan, or another hard cheese mixed with spices. The mixture is then formed into small balls and rolled in additional bread crumbs, nuts or pepper.
Can I make the Jalapeno Cheese Ball ahead of time?
Most cheese balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. They hold up well for up to 5 days while looking nice and will last for up to 2 weeks.
If you opt to make your bacon jalapeno cheese ball ahead of time, wait to add the bacon and jalapeno until just before serving. This is because the bacon will lose its crispiness when it is in the refrigerator.
What to Serve with Jalapeño Cheese Ball?
This spicy little cheese ball is the perfect addition to any party menu. It pairs well with crackers, pretzels, or sliced fresh veggies, like bell peppers, carrots or cucumber slices, for a tasty snack that everyone will love!
Slices of bread or pita also work as a great dipper. If you’re looking for a main course, try pairing this cheese ball with a ham or roast beef sandwich.
How Long Does a Cheese Ball Last?
Cheese balls last in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to store it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, to help keep their moisture sealed inside. This will prevent the cheese ball from drying out.
How to Store
The jalapeño poppers cheese ball needs to be kept in the refrigerator when it is not being served. Place it in an airtight container and wrap it in plastic wrap. The plastic wrap will help protect it from the air and prevent it from drying out.
You can also freeze the cheeseball. Wrap it well in plastic wrap on all edges. Then you will want to keep it in an airtight container. This will help the cheeseball to hold its shape and not get squished in the freezer. The cheeseball will last for up to 6 weeks in the freezer.
Can I Make this into Mini Cheeseball Bites?
Not only can you make these into mini jalapeno bacon cheeseball bites, you should absolutely make them into mini bites. Scoop the cream cheese filling mixture into small balls using a cookie scoop. Then you will roll the balls into the coating mixture. You will need more of the bacon coating mixture because you are covered more surface with it than you would be with the large cheese ball.
How to Control the Heat
While you want this cheeseball to have a kick, you don’t want it to be so hot that it is not enjoyable. There are a few ways to control the amount of heat in this recipe.
When you are chopping the jalapenos, you want to remove the ribs and seeds from inside of the peppers. This is where most of the heat is stored in the jalapenos. Removing this part will decrease the amount of heat in the peppers.
Another option is choosing mild jalapenos. You want to choose young jalapenos that are smooth and green all over. Make sure they are free of blemishes, have no white lines or flecks in them. The younger the peppers the less heat that the peppers have. Older peppers have more capsaicin and that mean they are hotter, even if you remove the ribs and seeds.
Substitutions
There are a few things you can personalize to your liking. Almost any shredded cheese will work well such as:
- Pepper Jack Cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Sharp Cheddar cheese
- Monterey Jack Cheese
Additionally, if fresh jalapenos aren’t available, canned jalapenos could be used.
While not quite as good as freshly cooked bacon, bacon bits would cut down on the prep time without sacrificing the great flavor of this crowd pleaser easy appetizer.
Lastly, if you are a big fan of green onions, feel free to add in about 1/4 cup.
Ingredients:
- thick-cut slices of bacon
- large jalapeño pepper
- cream cheese
- Mexican-blend cheese
- smoked paprika
- Mexican oregano
- Chipotle powder
- garlic powder
- Sea salt and black pepper
- Vegetables
- Gluten-free crackers
How to Make Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Ball
Cook the microwave in the microwave for about 4 minutes until the bacon is crispy.
Place the cooked bacon in the food processor to chop it roughly. Move half of the bacon crumbs to a bowl along with half of the minced jalapeno and mix together. Set it aside .
Combine the remaining jalapeno with the cream cheese, cheese, and seasoning in a large mixing bowl.
Shape the cheese mixture with your hands. Put the cheese ball mixture in the center of the plastic wrap, using the plastic wrap to help form into a round ball. Place it in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to firm up and hold its shape.
Take the cheese ball out of the refrigerator and add the bacon mixture to the outside to thoroughly coat it.
Serve it on a serving platter with the vegetables and crackers.
Bacon Jalapenos Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- ½ large jalapeño pepper finely minced, divided
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- ½ cup Mexican-blend cheese finely shredded
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Mexican oregano
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
To Serve:
- Vegetables of choice
- Gluten-free crackers for Keto diet
- Pita chips
- Ritz crackers
Instructions
- Line a large plate with paper towels and place 4 slices of bacon on top. Cover with additional paper towels. Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, or until bacon is crispy. Remove from microwave and discard paper towels. Repeat process with additional paper towels and remaining slices of bacon.
- Place crispy bacon in a food processor and pulse briefly until roughly chopped. Transfer bacon crumbs to a large bowl, along with half the jalapeño pepper, and stir to combine. Set aside.
- Combine the remaining jalapeño pepper, cream cheese, Mexican cheese, smoked paprika, Mexican oregano, chipotle powder, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir vigorously to combine.
- Shape the cheese mixture into a ball with your hands and transfer to a plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator to firm up a bit, approximately 5-10 minutes.
- Remove cheese ball from refrigerator and gently roll in the bacon jalapeño mixture until thoroughly coated. Place on serving dish and serve immediately with sliced vegetables, crackers and/or gluten-free crackers. Enjoy!
claudia bassano
Sunday 31st of October 2021
Can You GIVE me a substitute for Mexican oregano?
Stephanie Miller
Tuesday 2nd of November 2021
Hi Claudia,
You can use dried majoram instead of Mexican oregano. Hope you enjoy the cheese ball!