Description
Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls are a delicious and crispy appetizer filled with creamy cheese, bacon, and jalapeños, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or mozzarella)
- 5–6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2–3 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely diced (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for breading)
- 2 large eggs, beaten (for breading)
- 1½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch, for breading)
- Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, shredded Monterey Jack, crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
- Scoop out about 1–1½ tablespoons of the mixture and roll into small balls. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper.
- Chill in the freezer for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Roll each chilled cheese ball in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, then coat in breadcrumbs. For extra crispy coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step once more.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry cheese balls in batches for 2–3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel–lined plate.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or extra bacon bits if desired. Serve hot with ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños based on your spice preference.
- For a healthier option, consider baking instead of frying.
- These cheese balls can be made ahead of time and frozen before frying.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese ball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg