Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball

Get ready to spice up your next gathering with this Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball! This creamy, zesty, and slightly spicy creation is the perfect blend of flavors that’ll have your guests coming back for seconds—or thirds. It’s the appetizer that effortlessly marries the heat of jalapeños with the smoothness of cream cheese, all wrapped up in a crunchy almond coating. Trust us, this is one cheese ball that’s sure to pop at any party!

This recipe was heavily inspired by my traditional cheese ball recipe. If you haven’t given that one a try, add it to your must-make list!

close up image showing a cheese ball that is covered with bacon pieces, shredded cheese, and chopped bacon. One bite is scooped out onto a cracker with other crackers scattered around the side


 

Why You’ll Love This Easy Appetizer

  • Crowd-Pleaser Alert: This cheese ball is the ultimate party snack that appeals to both spice lovers and cheese aficionados.
  • Easy-Peasy Prep: With simple ingredients and minimal steps, this recipe is a breeze even for kitchen newbies. Plus, it’s make-ahead friendly, giving you more time to actually enjoy the party.
  • Versatile Vibes: Serve it with crackers, veggies, or even spread it on a sandwich. The Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball is not just a one-trick pony; it’s a multi-talented showstopper that fits various dining scenarios.

Meet the appetizer recipe that had my dad halt in his tracks and immediately demand to know where it was purchased from. News flash, I made it. No store could even come close to the glory of this recipe. It has it all.

Imagine the creaminess of cream cheese melding with the zesty kick of jalapeños. Add to that a hint of garlic and onion for depth, and a sprinkle of cheddar for that extra cheesy goodness. The outer layer features more crunchy bacon and a mix of cheddar with green onion which offers a textural contrast and freshness that complements the smooth interior. It’s like a jalapeño popper and a classic cheese ball had a delicious baby. In short, it’s creamy, spicy, cheesy, and oh-so-addictive!

Want even more cheesy goodness? Try my easy Mozzarella Sticks.

top down image of a wooden table top with a bowl of cream cheese and shredded cheese, 1/2 cup measuring cup of sour cream,  jalapenos, cooked bacon slices, and a small container of ranch dressing.

Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball Ingredients

So I’ve talked you into trying this insanely delicious appetizer, now what? Let’s dive into the list of ingredients you’ll need:

  • Cheese: There are a couple different cheese types you’ll need for this recipe. Specifically, cream cheese and cheddar cheese. I recommend opting for your favorite brand.
  • Sour Cream: Adds creaminess, a little tang, and some moisture that lightens up the density of all that cheese. It’s also the social glue that helps mix other ingredients more evenly.
  • Ranch Seasoning: Not ranch dressing. You want the dry seasoning packet.
  • Bacon: Cooked and crumbled. I tested this with the bacon crumbles from Costco and those worked too, but the fresh cooked bacon was best.
  • Jalapenos: Fresh jalapenos not pickled. Trust me on this one.
  • Green Onion: Not much, just a few for the outer coating.
top down image showing a large white mixing bowl that is filled with cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, ranch seasoning, bacon, and chopped jalapenos sitting on a wooden table top

Easy Cheese Ball Recipe

This recipe could not be easier, but I suggest planning ahead. If you let this sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours you’ll see the flavors blend together in the most amazing way! Here’s how to make this recipe:

  1. PREP: Remove the seed and membrane from the jalapeno peppers and finely dice.
  2. MIX: Combine the cream cheese, sour cream, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar, ranch seasoning, 1 cup bacon crumbles, and diced jalapeno into a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer, mix until everything has combined well.
  3. SHAPE: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap onto a clean work surface. Scrape the contents of the mixing bowl directly onto the center of the plastic. Wrap carefully and shape into a ball.
  4. CHILL: Place the cheese ball into the refrigerator for 4 hours, or up to overnight.
  5. ROLL: Place the remaining bacon, shredded cheese, and green onion onto a plate. Unwrap the cheese ball and roll into the toppings until covered completely.
  6. ENJOY: Serve with your favorite crackers!
Top down image showing a white mixing bowl with all of the ingredients of a cheese ball that have been mixed together. A yellow spatula is in the bowl with the mixture.  The bowl is sitting on a  wooden table top with fresh jalapenos and a teal napkin off to the side.

Helpful Tools

  • Rubber Spatula (affiliate): This tool ensures that not a smidgen of your delicious cheese mixture goes to waste. Get every last bit out of the bowl!
  • Plastic Wrap (affiliate): Plastic wrap is essential for shaping your cheese ball and storing it in the fridge. Plus, it makes for easy cleanup.
  • Serving Platter with Lids (affiliate): A lidded serving platter keeps your cheese ball fresh until it’s showtime. Plus, it adds a touch of elegance to your spread.
Top down image showing a cheese ball wrapped in plastic and formed into a circle. The ball is sitting on a wooden table top with fresh jalapenos and teal napkins off to the side

Recipe Notes:

How spicy is this cheese ball?

Really, the spice level will be up to you! You can go from mild to wild with just a few extra jalapenos. For a big kick leave the jalapeno seed and membrane intact when chopping.

Can you make a cheese ball in advance?

Oh, Yeah! Make it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. In fact, I suggest making it at least one day in advance to help the flavors meld together.

How long will a homemade cheese ball last?

Not Long! (Because it’s that good.) But technically, up to a week in the fridge.

Can you freeze a cheese ball?

Not Recommended. Freezing will affect the texture, making it less creamy upon thawing.

What are some good serving options for this cheese dip?

Sky’s the Limit! Think crackers, sliced baguette, or even an array of fresh veggies like bell peppers and cucumbers.

Can I add other meats to the cheese ball?

Of course! While this already has a hefty dose of bacon, you can add shredded chicken for even more protein. Just remember, added chicken will reduce its freshness to 2 to 3 days.

top down image showing a hand holding a cracker with a spread of cheese ball on the top. The cracker is holding over the top of a plate filled with more crackers and the larger portion of the cheese ball with a teal napkin off to the side.

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5 from 3 votes

Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball Recipe

Author Jesseca
Prep: 10 minutes
Serves: 12
Get ready to spice up your next gathering with this Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball! This creamy, zesty, and slightly spicy creation is the perfect blend of flavors that’ll have your guests coming back for seconds—or thirds.

Ingredients
  

Cheese Ball

  • 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • cups sharp cheddar (shredded)
  • 1 (1 oz packet) ranch seasoning
  • 1 cup bacon (cooked and crumbled)
  • 1-2 large jalapenos (seeds and membrane removed and diced)

Topping

  • 2 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
  • 2 green onions (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar (finely shredded)

Instructions
 

Cheese Ball

  • Combine the cream cheese, sour cream, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar, ranch seasoning, 1 cup bacon crumbles, and diced jalapeno into a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer, mix until everything has combined well.
  • Lay a large piece of plastic wrap onto a clean work surface. Scrape the contents of the mixing bowl directly onto the center of the plastic. Wrap carefully and shape into a ball.
  • Place the cheese ball into the refrigerator for 4 hours, or up to overnight.

Topping

  • Place the remaining bacon, shredded cheese, and green onion onto a plate. Unwrap the cheese ball and roll into the toppings until covered completely.
  • Serve with your favorite crackers!

Nutrition

Calories: 270kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 11gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 431mgPotassium: 132mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 763IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 177mgIron: 0.2mg

The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
close up image showing a cheese ball that is covered with bacon pieces, shredded cheese, and chopped bacon. Crackers are spread around the white dish circling the cheese ball

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5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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One Comment

  1. 5 stars
    Just finished making this cheese ball for a little get-together. It is absolutely delicious and so easy!! I think it’s going to be a big hit. I love it!

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