Easy, hot, and cheesy snack ready in minutes.
introduction
Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls are small, fried bites with cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and jalapeño. They are crispy outside and soft inside. If you like sweet protein snacks too, try blueberry cheesecake protein balls for a different treat.
why make this recipe
These cheese balls are quick to make. They please a crowd. They mix spicy, salty, and cheesy flavors. Kids and adults like them at parties or as a snack.
how to make Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls
Make the mix, form balls, bread them, and fry until golden. Work in small batches to keep oil hot and balls crisp. Serve warm for best flavor.
Ingredients :
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup jalapeños, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Directions :
- In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Roll the balls in breadcrumbs until coated.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the cheese balls in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm.
how to serve Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls
Serve them hot on a plate. Add dipping sauce like ranch, sour cream, or salsa. They work as an appetizer, snack, or party finger food.
how to store Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls
Cool to room temperature first. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes to keep them crispy.
tips to make Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for easier mixing.
- Drain peppers well to avoid a wet mix.
- Chill the balls 15–30 minutes before breading for firmer shape.
- Keep oil at steady temperature to avoid greasy balls.
variation (if any)
- Bake instead of frying: place on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes.
- For milder heat, use less jalapeño or remove seeds.
- Add chopped green onions or chives for fresh flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Yes. Make and bread the balls, then freeze on a tray. Store in a bag. Fry from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to cook time.
Q: Can I bake them instead of frying?
A: Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden. They will be less crispy than fried.
Q: How do I make them less spicy?
A: Use milder peppers, remove jalapeño seeds, or use less jalapeño in the mix.
Q: Can I use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon?
A: Yes. Cook and chop them the same way before adding to the cheese mix.
Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
Easy, hot, and cheesy snack ready in minutes featuring crispy bites with cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and jalapeño.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup jalapeños, chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Roll the balls in breadcrumbs until coated.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the cheese balls in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve warm.
Notes
For best flavor, serve hot with dipping sauce like ranch, sour cream, or salsa. Can be made ahead and frozen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg