Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls
A rich, savory appetizer featuring creamy cheese, sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, fresh jalapeños, and green onions. Each bite is coated in breadcrumbs and baked until crisp and golden on the outside while remaining soft and flavorful within.
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Ingredients
Cheese Filling
- 2 jalapeño peppers seeds removed and finely minced
- 8 oz cream cheese preferably softened slightly
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 bacon strips fully cooked and crumbled
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 green onions finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Breadcrumb Coating
- Neutral-flavored oil as needed, optional for lightly brushing or spraying
- 1 cup dry breadcrumbs
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, crumbled cooked bacon, finely minced jalapeños, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed and the cheese mixture has a smooth, well-combined consistency. Allowing the cream cheese to soften slightly at room temperature beforehand will make blending easier.
- Take small portions of the prepared cheese mixture and roll them between your hands to create balls approximately 1 inch in diameter.
- Arrange the shaped balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat until all of the cheese mixture has been formed.
- Place the dry breadcrumbs in a separate bowl. Roll each cheese ball through the crumbs until the entire surface is evenly covered.
- For a slightly more substantial coating, gently press the breadcrumbs against the cheese balls while coating them.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the coated cheese balls on the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- If desired, lightly brush or spray the breadcrumb coating with neutral-flavored oil to encourage deeper browning.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the exterior is golden brown and the centers are thoroughly heated. Monitor them closely toward the end of baking to prevent excessive browning.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cheese balls to rest for several minutes before serving. Serve warm as an appetizer or party snack.
Notes
Slightly softened cream cheese blends more readily with the remaining filling ingredients.
Pressing the breadcrumbs gently onto the surface can create a more pronounced crispy coating.
A light coating of neutral oil before baking may produce a richer golden color.