Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Balls (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Cheese Mixture
01 -
8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 -
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
03 -
½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
04 -
2 tbsp sour cream
05 -
4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
06 -
2 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds and membranes removed)
07 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
½ tsp smoked paprika
09 -
½ tsp salt
10 -
¼ tsp black pepper
→ Coating
11 -
½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs
12 -
½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
13 -
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
14 -
1 tbsp chopped chives
→ Optional Garnishes
15 -
Jalapeño slices
16 -
Extra parsley or chives
→ For Serving
17 -
Crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetable sticks
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded pepper jack cheese. Mix until well blended. Stir in the sour cream, crumbled bacon, chopped jalapeños, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
02 -
Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of the cheese mixture and roll it between your hands to form a small ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture to create approximately 16 cheese balls. Place the cheese balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
03 -
In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, crumbled bacon, chopped parsley, and chives. Mix well to create the coating.
04 -
Remove the chilled cheese balls from the refrigerator. Roll each ball in the coating mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres evenly.
05 -
Arrange the coated cheese balls on a serving platter. Garnish with jalapeño slices or additional parsley and chives for a decorative touch. Serve immediately with crackers, tortilla chips, or vegetable sticks.