SAVE RECIPE

Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls are a delightful, savory appetizer that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Combining the smoky goodness of bacon, the spicy kick of jalapeños, and the creamy texture of cheese, these cheese balls are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing for game day, or just looking for a quick snack, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress your guests. Easy to make and incredibly flavorful, these cheese balls pack a punch of bold flavors, making them a favorite among those who love spicy, cheesy, and crispy bites.

In this article, we’ll walk you through a simple recipe that creates crispy, cheesy perfection every time. From the preparation to the final product, you’ll have everything you need to whip up this delicious dish in no time. Let’s dive into the recipe!

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Ingredients

To make Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls, you will need the following ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6-8 slices)
• 2-3 fresh jalapeños (seeds removed, finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup green onions (chopped)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

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Preparation

Here’s how you can prepare the Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls in just a few simple steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

Start by placing the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped jalapeños, and chopped green onions. Use a spatula or your hands to thoroughly mix everything together until the cheeses and bacon are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Add the Spices

Next, sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the cheese mixture. Stir until the spices are evenly mixed into the cheese and bacon mixture. This will give your cheese balls a rich, flavorful base with a slight smoky kick from the paprika.

Step 3: Form the Cheese Balls

Once your cheese mixture is well-seasoned, take a spoonful of the mixture and roll it into a small ball using your hands. Continue rolling the mixture into balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, until all the mixture is used up. You should be able to form around 15 to 20 cheese balls, depending on the size you prefer.

Step 4: Prepare for Coating

Set up a coating station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, crack and beat an egg. In the third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs. Coat each cheese ball by rolling it in the flour, then dipping it into the egg, and finally rolling it in the panko breadcrumbs. This triple coating will give your cheese balls a crispy exterior once fried.

Step 5: Fry the Cheese Balls

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat. You’ll know the oil is ready when it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the breaded cheese balls into the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the cheese balls for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cheese balls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

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Variation

While Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls are delicious as they are, you can get creative with the recipe by adding or swapping a few ingredients. Here are some ideas:

1. Spicy Heat Variation: If you like it extra spicy, leave some of the seeds in the jalapeños or add a small amount of crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for more heat.
2. Cheese Variety: Swap out the mozzarella or cheddar for other cheeses like pepper jack, cream cheese with herbs, or gouda to create unique flavors.
3. Vegetarian Version: To make a vegetarian-friendly version, omit the bacon and consider adding chopped bell peppers, onions, or even black olives for an added layer of flavor.
4. Baked Version: If you prefer to bake these cheese balls instead of frying them, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated cheese balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.

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COOKING Note:

• Be careful not to overcrowd the frying pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy cheese balls. Fry them in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
• Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying to avoid burning the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
• If you want to make these ahead of time, you can prepare the cheese balls, coat them, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to fry them. This can also help them hold their shape better while frying.

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Serving Suggestions:

Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls are perfect for a variety of occasions and pair well with many sides and dips. Here are a few ideas on how to serve them:

1. Dipping Sauce: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, sour cream, spicy ketchup, or even a tangy barbecue sauce for a perfect balance of flavors.
2. As an Appetizer: Serve them as an appetizer at a party or gathering with a platter of veggies or chips on the side for a complete snacking experience.
3. As a Game Day Snack: These cheese balls make an excellent addition to a spread of game day snacks like buffalo wings, sliders, or nachos.
4. Pair with a Cold Drink: Enjoy these cheesy, crispy treats with an ice-cold beer, sparkling water, or a refreshing lemonade for a laid-back snack time.

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Tips:

• For an extra crispy exterior, you can double coat the cheese balls by dipping them in the egg and breadcrumbs twice before frying.
• If you prefer a lighter option, consider using an air fryer instead of deep frying. Coat the cheese balls in oil spray and air fry them at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
• If you don’t want the cheese balls to be too spicy, you can replace the jalapeños with milder chili peppers like banana peppers or poblano peppers.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

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Nutritional Information (per cheese ball, approximately 1.5 inches):

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Total Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 1g

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FAQs

1. Can I make these cheese balls ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the cheese balls in advance, coat them, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying.
2. Can I bake these cheese balls instead of frying them? Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
3. How can I make these cheese balls spicier? To add more heat, you can leave some of the seeds in the jalapeños or add extra spicy elements like crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
4. Can I freeze these cheese balls? Yes, you can freeze the cheese balls before frying them. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to cook, fry them straight from frozen.

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Conclusion

Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines the perfect balance of smoky bacon, spicy jalapeños, and creamy cheese. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the big game, or just craving a delicious snack, these cheese balls are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Easy to make and customizable to your preferences, they’re the perfect finger food for any occasion. With a crispy exterior and a creamy, cheesy interior, these cheese balls are a must-try recipe that will have everyone coming back for more!