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This jalapeno bacon cheese ball is perfectly creamy, rolled in crunchy bacon, and topped off with green onions and salty pecans. It’s the perfect holiday appetizer and filled with SO much flavor!
This cheese ball has the perfect combination of creaminess and spice. A few more yummy recipes to try are these bacon jalapeno poppers, cheeseburger stuffed jalapeno poppers, or jalapeno popper dip. They’re cheesy and delicious with the best amount of heat!
Jalapeno Bacon Cheese Ball
There’s a reason cheese balls are always a hit at any party. They’re creamy, soft, perfectly dippable, and have the best flavor! Jalapeno poppers are one of my all-time favorite appetizers, so naturally, I had to try it in cheese ball form. Let me tell you, it does not disappoint!
Even if you’re not a huge fan of spice, you’ll love this recipe! The jalapenos give it just the right amount of kick. The cream cheese also helps to cool down the jalapeños. Trust me, one taste of this jalapeno bacon cheese ball and you’ll be hooked. This is a true holiday appetizer that is perfect for your holiday parties this season! Everyone is going to go crazy over it.
Ingredients Needed for a Jalapeno Cheese Ball
This jalapeno bacon cheeseball is hands-down one of the best appetizers I have ever had! This cheese ball is everything good about jalapeno poppers in one easy-to-make recipe. You won’t be able to get enough! Oh but let’s not forget the bacon! Everything’s better with bacon and this cheese ball is full of it, inside and out! This is the ultimate cheese ball and I know it will be a hit wherever you take it! Note: exact measurements can be found below in the recipe card.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened so it mixes together nicely with the other ingredients.
- Jalapeños: I chopped mine into small pieces and removed any seeds to keep them from being too hot.
- Cheddar Cheese: You can’t go wrong with shredded cheddar! You can also use shredded Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Mexican blend cheese for this recipe.
- Bacon: I like to use pre-cooked bacon for easy prep.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions add the perfect pop of savory flavor to this jalapeno bacon cheese ball.
- Seasoning Salt: To pack each bite with flavor! Use prepackaged seasoning salt or make your own blend using my quick and easy recipe here.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds the perfect savory flavor to the cheese ball.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds an extra pop of flavor.
- Cumin: Adds a little earthy spice.
- Pecans: You’ll want these to be coarsely chopped so they coat the outside of the cheese ball evenly.
How to Make a Jalapeño and Bacon Cheese Ball
A delicious cheese ball packed with bacon and jalapeños. It doesn’t get any better than that! And did I mention that it comes together in a snap? 15 minutes and just a few simple steps of mixing and shaping will give you this knockout appetizer.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, stir together cream cheese, half of the jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, half of the bacon, green onions, seasoning salt, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and cumin until fully incorporated.
- Coat: On a large plate, combine the other half of the bacon, jalapeños, and pecans. Then shape the cream cheese mixture into a ball and roll it onto the plate to coat.
- Chill and Serve: Cover with saran wrap and chill for an hour before serving. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Forming Your Cheese Ball
When rolling cheese balls, I find it easiest to transfer the mixture onto a section of Saran Wrap. Then pull the corners together and twist them to easily form a ball with minimal mess. Roll your cheese ball on the counter to help form the shape. Then finish shaping it with your hands. To remove the cheese ball, you can either cut the wrap at the base of the twist, or simply untwist it and transfer to a serving dish.
Tips for Making the Perfect Cheese Ball
As simple as this recipe may be, here are a few tips and tricks to hone your cheese ball-making skills. Once your friends and family get a taste, they will want to know what your secret is.
- Use Softened Cream Cheese: Before you make your cheese ball, leave your cream cheese on the counter to soften. This will usually take about one hour.
- More Mix-Ins: Feel free to add in more of your favorite mix-ins! A few of my favorites are walnuts, sliced almonds, crushed crackers, Chex mix, candied pecans, and other cheese variations. (Shredded pepper jack is great for adding more kick!)
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: When shredding cheese make sure to not use pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t stick well to things. Freshly grated cheese will also have better flavor.
- Adjust Recipe: Be sure to double to recipe for a larger party or make multiple smaller cheese balls to go around the table. (Cheese ball bites are also a great option for finger food!)
What to Serve With Your Cheese Ball
Vegetables, crackers, and bread are my go-to dipping snacks. They add extra flavor and the perfect texture when dipping into this jalapeño bacon cheese ball. Here are a few ideas to get you started!
- Sliced Bell Peppers: Great for adding color to your serving tray! They taste great, too.
- Bread: Usually a harder bread that is sliced and chunked. Try crostini!
- Carrots: Baby carrots are the perfect size and shape for dipping.
- Crackers: I always go for salty, buttery crackers like Ritz.
- Pita Chips: These have the BEST crunch and are extra thick so you can load up each chip with plenty of dip!
- Pretzels: Go with the bigger, flatter ones that are easier to dip.
Storing Leftovers
This jalapeno bacon cheese ball always gets devoured in what feels like seconds at my house. Leftovers are never a thing! (I wish they were, this would make the best snack for Netflix marathons!) If you’re lucky enough to have some of your cheese ball left over, here’s how to keep it tasting fresh.
- In the Refrigerator: Store your cheese ball in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for 3-4 days. Allow to come to room temperature before serving so it’s nice and soft!
Can You Freeze a Jalapeno Bacon Cheese Ball?
Yes! It makes it easy to plan ahead for the holidays or other occasions. To prepare it for the freezer, make the cheese ball and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Store the coating separately. Allow to thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
Looking for More Delicious Cheese Ball Recipes?
I have too many favorites to count! Here are just a few that come to mind. If you make these for a holiday party, they’re guaranteed to be a hit! Bring all of your favorite dippables and let these cheese balls do the rest.
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Jalapeño Bacon Cheeseball
Ingredients
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese softened
- 3 jalapeños seeded and finely chopped, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices of bacon cooked and chopped, divided
- 1/4 cup green onions chopped
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 cup pecans coarsely chopped
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, stir together cream cheese, half of the jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, half of the bacon, green onions, seasoning salt, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and cumin until fully incorporated.
- On a large plate combine other half of the bacon, jalapeños, and pecans. Shape the cream cheese mixture into a ball and roll it onto the plate to coat well.
- Cover with saran wrap and chill for an hour before serving. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is the best cheese ball I have ever made. I was a little nervous about using the cumin. I thought it might overpower the cheese ball. The flavors blended beautifully. I did use Serrano peppers instead of Jalapeno peppers, because I like the slightly hotter pepper.
Just made this and it’s delicious 😋
Hope there’s enough left for the party tomorrow 🙂
Thanks for a great recipe.
I highly recommend this cookbook!
I am not sure why it won’t let you print. I have been printing a few recipes today and had great luck. If needed you can copy and paste the recipe into a word document and print from there if that works better. Thanks for following along with me! XOXO
If you wanted to substitute garlic powder for the minced garlic, what would you recommend the quantity to be? I have some family members that complain about raw garlic…
I am very excited to try this
I made this recipe last Christmas and it was wonderful. Everybody raved about it. It’s on the menu this year, too! Can’t wait. Yum!
Just prepared this for a “Day of the Dead” celebration, and THIS was a HUGE hit! I’m emailing your recipe from your blog to all that asked for it. I’m certain you will have many more followers once they find you! Thank you for all the inspiration you give!
Made this recipe and it’s as good as it sounds. I added cayenne but it still could have used more heat for us. We didn’t notice the heat at all. Will make this again. Can it be frozen?
It can be frozen but it may be more crumbly when you thaw it out. I would recommend eating it fresh or left in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days if needing time. Enjoy your cheese ball! XOXO
The Best!!!! Love It!!!!
Looks wonderful. I f you made this a day ahead, do you think it would make the bacon weird?
No, it should still taste great! Enjoy! XOXO
Hi Alyssa,
what kind of season salt should I use on the bacon cheeseball?
I like to use the local brand of season salt but you are welcome to use any other brand or type of season salt that you prefer. You can find it in the seasoning isle. Hope that helps! XOXO
Can I use jarred jalapenos if I pat them dry??? I never seem to find fresh jalapenos hot enough. Thanks! Looks awesome!
Yes, of course! It may be a bit hot but it sounds like you are okay with that. Enjoy your cheese ball! XOXO
BEST cheeseball I have ever made and tasted! Outstanding recipe, easy to make and looks as good as it tastes. Thank you for sharing and posting your recipe. I am anxious to share with co-workers for our Christmas luncheon. This cheeseball will also be on our family Christmas eve appetizer menu.
This will certainly be loved by my friends and family.. Anything with bacon, peppers, and cheese is always a hit. Thank you so much for sharing.
That is great to hear! Thank you for sharing with me! XOXO
I can’t print your recipes. When I click on Print, I only get Save!!. What am I doing wrong?
I am not sure why it won’t let you print. I have been printing a few recipes today and had great luck. If needed you can copy and paste the recipe into a word document and print from there if that works better. Thanks for following along with me! XOXO