Description
Golden, crunchy cheese balls stuffed with smoky bacon, spicy jalapeños, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or pepper jack for extra spice)
- 4–5 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, bacon, jalapeños, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Using your hands or a small scoop, roll the mixture into golf ball–sized balls. Place on a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze for 20–30 minutes (this helps them keep their shape while frying).
- Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Roll each cheese ball in flour, dip into the egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat egg + breadcrumb coating twice.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the cheese balls in small batches until golden brown and crispy (about 2–3 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Notes
- For a spicier version, leave some seeds in the jalapeños.
- These cheese balls can be made ahead of time and frozen before frying.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or spicy mayo.
- 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