If you love the spicy, creamy goodness of jalapeño poppers, you’re going to love these Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls! This bite-sized appetizer combines cream cheese, cheddar, crispy bacon, and spicy jalapeños, all rolled into a flavorful, crunchy coating. They’re perfect for parties, game nights, or whenever you need a quick and delicious snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with cheesy, spicy, and smoky flavors
- Easy to make ahead for stress-free entertaining
- Can be baked or fried for different textures
- Great for parties, gatherings, or a fun snack
- Perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and spicy
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cheese Balls:
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Jalapeños (finely diced)
- Cooked bacon (crumbled)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and black pepper
For Coating:
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs (beaten)
- Bread crumbs (Panko for extra crispiness)
For Frying/Baking:
- Oil (for frying)
- Cooking spray (for baking)
Directions
- Prepare the mixture: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Shape the cheese balls: Scoop out small portions and roll them into bite-sized balls. Place them on a tray and freeze for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Set up the breading station: Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and bread crumbs in a third.
- Coat the cheese balls: Roll each ball in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with bread crumbs for a crispy finish.
- Cook the cheese balls:
- For frying: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- For baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cheese balls on a lined baking sheet, spray lightly with cooking spray, and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve hot, with ranch or your favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 cheese balls
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Extra Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or use spicier peppers like serranos.
- Cheese Mix: Try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for more flavor.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.
- Gluten-Free: Use almond flour and gluten-free bread crumbs.
- Keto-Friendly: Replace flour with almond flour and use crushed pork rinds instead of bread crumbs.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes or air fry for 3-4 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Avoid microwaving, as they may turn soft.
FAQs
Can I make these cheese balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and freeze them before frying or baking for up to 1 month.
Can I use store-bought bacon bits?
Yes, but freshly cooked bacon gives a better flavor and texture.
Are these super spicy?
They have a mild to medium heat, but you can adjust by using more or fewer jalapeños.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Absolutely! They’ll be slightly less crispy but still delicious.
What dipping sauces pair well?
Ranch, sour cream, chipotle mayo, or honey mustard are great choices.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure the cheese balls are well-breaded and frozen before cooking.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Try gouda, mozzarella, or a spicy cheese blend for variety.
Can I air fry them?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
Can I make a large batch for a party?
Yes, they’re great for parties! Just prepare ahead and fry or bake fresh.
Do I need to remove the jalapeño seeds?
If you prefer a milder heat, remove the seeds. For extra spice, leave them in.
Conclusion
Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls are the perfect combination of spicy, cheesy, and crispy. Whether you bake, fry, or air fry them, they’re always a hit at parties and gatherings. Make a batch today and enjoy these delicious, bite-sized treats!
Print
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 cheese balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Description
These Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls are the perfect bite-sized snack! Crispy on the outside and loaded with spicy jalapeños, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon on the inside. They are easy to make and great for parties, game days, or anytime you’re craving a spicy, cheesy treat!
Ingredients
For the Cheese Balls:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 jalapeños, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- 4 strips crispy bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
Prepare the Cheese Balls:
- Mix the Filling – In a bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella, chopped jalapeños, bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Form Balls – Scoop small portions and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place them on a tray and freeze for 20-30 minutes (this helps them hold their shape while frying).
Coat the Cheese Balls:
- Set Up Coating Stations – In separate bowls, place flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with smoked paprika and cayenne pepper.
- Coat the Balls – Roll each cheese ball in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. Repeat for a second layer for an extra crispy coating.
Fry the Cheese Balls:
- Heat Oil – In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry – Carefully drop a few cheese balls into the oil and fry for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve – Enjoy hot with ranch, spicy mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
- For a healthier version, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
- Add extra jalapeños if you love more heat!
- Double-coating the cheese balls prevents cheese from leaking while frying.
- Serve with honey mustard or chipotle mayo for a flavor twist.
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