Description
The Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball is a creamy, spicy, and cheesy appetizer inspired by classic jalapeño poppers. Made with cream cheese, cheddar, jalapeños, and flavorful seasonings, it’s coated in a crunchy topping and served with crackers or veggies—perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2–3 jalapeños, diced (fresh or pickled, seeds removed for less heat)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika
- Topping mixture: ½ cup shredded cheddar + ½ cup chopped pecans or crushed crackers
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, jalapeños, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning or heat level by adding more jalapeños or hot sauce if desired.
- Form the mixture into a ball using your hands or wrap it in plastic wrap and shape it.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the cheese ball to firm up.
- Before serving, roll the cheese ball in the topping mixture to evenly coat the outside.
- Place on a serving platter and serve with crackers, pretzels, or sliced vegetables.
Notes
Make ahead and chill for up to 2–3 days before serving. Roll in toppings just before serving.Adjust spice level by using pickled jalapeños for milder heat or fresh ones for more intensity.Use different cheeses like pepper jack or smoked gouda for variation.Try crushed tortilla chips or fried onions for a fun twist on the coating.Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of cheese ball
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
