Description

This jalapeño popper cheese ball combines cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and jalapeños for a flavorful, easy-to-make appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

2 8- ounce packages cream cheese (at room temperature)
8 ounces 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
6 strips bacon (cooked and crumbled)
4 ounce can diced jalapeños (drained)
4 ounce can diced fire-roasted green chilies (drained)
1 cup chopped pecans

For the ranch seasoning (can sub in 2 packages of ranch dressing mix, like Hidden Valley)

3 tablespoons dried parsley
1 tablespoon dried dill
1 tablespoon dried chives
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, diced jalapeños, diced green chilies, and ranch seasoning mix. Use a mixer on low speed or a sturdy spoon to mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Shape the mixture into a ball using your hands. It may help to refrigerate the mixture for 15-20 minutes if it is too soft to shape.
Spread the chopped pecans on a plate. Roll the cheese ball in the pecans until it is fully coated.
Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese ball to firm up.
Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Notes

For a spicier cheese ball, add fresh diced jalapeños along with the canned ones. The cheese ball can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Serve with a variety of crackers or fresh vegetables. If you prefer, substitute walnuts or almonds for the pecans.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 180
Sugar: 1
Sodium: 250
Fat: 16
Carbohydrates: 3
Fiber: 1
Protein: 6
Cholesterol: 35