Ingredients
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 1 pound bacon, divided
- 16 ounces cream cheese, slightly softened
- 2 ½ tablespoons sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 jalapeños, seeded and diced, divided
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced red onion, divided
- ½ cup chopped green onion, divided
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until fully cooked and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool for 10 minutes. Chop into pieces and set aside.
- Mix Cheese Base: In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and kosher salt until just combined. Use a stand mixer on low, electric mixer on low, or a wooden spoon/spatula.
- Combine Fillings: Stir in half of the chopped bacon, diced jalapeños, shredded cheddar, red onion, and green onion with a spatula. Reserve the remaining portions of these ingredients for topping.
- Form the Cheese Ball: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on a countertop and transfer the cream cheese mixture onto it. Wrap the sides and shape it into a ball using your hands. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
- Prepare to Serve: Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator about 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Unwrap and roll the cheese ball in the reserved bacon, jalapeños, cheddar, red onion, and green onion topping on a cutting board or large plate.
- Serve: Present the jalapeño cheese ball with crackers, pita chips, or tortilla chips for dipping and sharing.
Notes
- For more heat, keep some jalapeño seeds or add extra diced jalapeños to the mix.
- Refrigerate cheese ball tightly wrapped to maintain freshness up to 2 days before serving.
- Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor punch in this recipe.
- Allowing the cheese ball to rest before serving improves spreadability and flavor blending.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
