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This Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Ball recipe is hands down the most popular appetizer I take to parties and pot lucks. With everyone’s favorite Southwestern ingredients rolled into one tidy package, it’s Irresistible and show stopping.
Cream cheese and shredded cheddar, kicked up with diced jalapenos, savory with bits of bacon, spiced with cumin and cilantro and finished with a squeeze of lime and you’ve got yourself a Texas style cheese ball winner.
Who can resist a jalapeno cheese ball with bacon?
It’s a perfect party appetizer because it’s easy to make, it can be made ahead to time, and there’s bacon involved.
It’s a perfect appetizer for the holidays, and even more perfect for football party food.
The only thing you’ll bring home is a shiny clean plate and spreader.
Every party needs this Southwestern cheese ball appetizer. Be ready to share the recipe, because they’ll ask.
Let’s take a look.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cheddar Cheese
- Cream Cheese
- Cilantro
- Bacon
- Jalapeno Pepper
- Pecans
- Garlic
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Lime Juice
- Spices: New Mexico Chile Powder and Cumin
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chile Pepper: If jalapeno peppers are simply too spicy for you, substitute chopped Poblano Pepper.
- Pecans: Walnuts will also work here.
- Chile Powder: I almost exclusively use New Mexico Red Chile Powder in all of my recipes. If you don’t have access, use Ancho Chile Powder or Chipotle Chile Powder. Keep in mind Chipotle chile powder will bring a smoky flavor.
Step By Step Instructions, It’s Easy
- Step 1: Mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, cilantro, garlic, cumin, cayenne, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, half of the diced jalapeños and half of the crumbled cooked bacon.
- Step 2: Using a sturdy spatula or spoon, mix the ingredients until well blended. Taste and adjust seasonings and add salt.
- Step 3: Place the roasted pecans and remaining diced jalapeños and bacon on a plate. Stir together so well mixed. With your hands, roll the cheese mixture into a ball, then place on the plate and roll in the jalapeños, bacon and pecans until covered.
Tip: If you don’t want to use your hands to roll the cheese ball, place the cheese on a large piece of plastic wrap. Pull in the corners and twist them together to shape the ball. You may need to use your hands to perfect the shape.
- Step 4: Chill covered for at least an hour before serving. Serve with sturdy crackers.
Can This Jalapeno Cheese Ball Be Made In Advance?
Yes. That’s the beauty of this recipe. Make the cheeseball a couple of days in advance. It will allow the flavors to blend and marry.
How Can I Make Jalapeno Peppers Less Hot?
Cut the top off the jalapeno peppers and using the handle of a fork or spoon, scrape out the seeds and veins. This is where the heat lies. Slice the jalapeno pepper open and cut out any remaining veins. Then chop.
Is This A Gluten Free Cheese Ball?
The cheese ball itself is naturally gluten free. If served with gluten free crackers or vegetables, then yes, you’ve created a gluten free cheese ball appetizer.
What To Serve With This Jalapeno Cheese Ball
- A sturdy cracker is best. Triscuits, Ritz Crackers, and Club Crackers work well here.
- Tortilla chips are too fragile, even if you use a cheese spreader.
- Vegetables such as carrot, bell peppers, sliced cucumber and celery sticks are a good choice.
- Pretzels
- Bread: Choose a slender baguette. Slice thin and serve. Or place slices on a sheet pan, brush with olive oil or butter and lightly toast.
Tips For Success
- Allow at least one hour for cream cheese to come to room temperature.
- Purchase good quality cheddar cheese and grate it yourself. Bagged pre-shredded contains fillers to keep it from sticking together in the bag, it simply doesn’t taste as good as freshly grated.
- Cut the Jalapeno pepper in as small of pieces as you can. This will distribute that beautiful chile pepper flavor and heat throughout the cheese ball.
- Make sure your bacon is cooked to a crispy stage. Even crispy, the bacon will soften a bit when combined with the cheese.
- Remove cheese ball about 15 minutes before serving so it softens slightly. This will simply make spreading on a cracker easier.
Storage
- I’ve never had any leftovers with this recipe, but if you do, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 – 4 days. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then serve.
In Conclusion
I hope you give this party perfect Jalapeno Cheese-Ball Recipe recipe a try. It’s a perfect cheese ball appetizer for the holidays and beyond. And a great appetizer idea for a Super Bowl Party.
A recipe adapted from Lisa Fain, Homesick Texan.
More Cheese-y Party Appetizer Ideas
- Sun-dried Tomato Stuffed Brie Appetizer
- Chile Cheesecake, A Mexican Cheesecake Appetizer Recipe
- Smoky Pimento Cheese Spread
- Dubliner Cheese Spread
And one of our favorites for this easy microwave White Queso Recipe. A big bowl of tortilla chips never had it so good.
And if you’re looking for party appetizer recipes, don’t miss my Appetizer Category. You’ll find tons of finger food ideas. Including the most popular appetizer recipe on my site, Pear and Blue Cheese Crostini.
If you’ve tried this or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating in the recipe card below. And write a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback.
And, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious recipes and cooking tips. Make it a delicious day … every day.
Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Ball Recipe
A wonderful South of the Border version of the classic cheese ball.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer Recipes
Cuisine: Amerian
Diet: Gluten Free
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes
resting time: 1 hour hour
Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 103kcal
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 4 ounces
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon New Mexico Chile Powder or cayenne
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 jalapeños stems and seeds removed, diced, divided
- 6 ounces cooked bacon about 6 slices of regular bacon or 4 slices thick cut bacon
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans roasted
- Crackers for serving
Instructions
Mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, cilantro, garlic, cumin, cayenne, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, half of the diced jalapeños and half of the crumbled cooked bacon. Taste and adjust seasonings and add salt.
Place the roasted pecans and remaining diced jalapeños and bacon on a plate. Stir together so well mixed. With your hands, roll the cheese mixture into a ball, then place on the plate and roll in the jalapeños, bacon and pecans until covered.
Chill covered for at least an hour before serving. Serve with crackers.
Notes
Tips for Success:
- Allow at least one hour for cream cheese to come to room temperature.
- Purchase good quality cheddar cheese and grate it yourself. Bagged pre-shredded contains fillers to keep it from sticking together in the bag, it simply doesn’t taste as good as freshly grated.
- Remove cheeseball about 15 minutes before serving so it softens slightly.
- Cut the Jalapeno pepper in as small of pieces as you can. This will distribute that beautiful chile pepper flavor and heat throughout the cheese ball.
- Make sure your bacon is cooked to a crispy stage. Even crispy, the bacon will soften a bit when combined with the cheese.
How To Roast Pecans: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spread pecans on a sheet pan. Roast until fragrant, about 7 minutes. Watch them closely so they don’t burn.
Nutrition
Calories: 103kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 101mg | Potassium: 46mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 331IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Please leave a comment and star rating below. Or tag me on InstagramMention @CookingOnTheRanch or tag #cookingontheranch
Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Ball Recipe …It’s What’s for a Great Pot Luck Appetizer.
Lea Ann Brown
Why Trust These Recipes? Lea Ann Brown has lived, worked and played in Colorado for 45 years. She has immersed herself in the Colorado Culinary space, is a Culinary School Graduate and publishes her Colorado food Blog, Cooking On The Ranch.
More Appetizer and co*cktail Recipes
- The Fort Restaurant Refrigerator Pickled Jalapenos
- Cheesy Chorizo Stuffed Mushrooms
- Honeyed Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp
- Pappas Bros Shrimp Remoulade
Reader Interactions
Comments
Luva Childe saysThis looks and sounds soooo yummy! I need to take an appetizer to a wine tasting party this weekend. Both red and white will be tasted. Will this recipe work??
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- Lea Ann says
If you’re talking about the bites, yes, it would work great. Just preassemble on a baking sheet at home, cover with plastic wrap and then bake when you arrive at the party.
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- cheffresco says
Yum! Bacon and cheese – perfect holiday app combo!
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- Karen says
Oh gosh, this does look good. Love anything with jalapenos in it. Beautiful plate and cheese knife, too!
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- Lea Ann says
You’ve got to give it a try Karen.
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- Lea Ann says
Thank you Barbara
- Vianney Rodriguez says
My mom used to make a cheese ball every new year’s eve .. we loved them!! It has be awhile since she has made one, thanks for the lovely reminder!
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- Lea Ann says
And this kicked up version is really good.
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- Susan says
I haven’t made a cheese ball in ages either but this is a recipe that makes me want to make one again. Love the spices and peppers and the bacon is always a winner. I see the Penzey’s carries aleppo pepper so I’ve added it to my next trip there to buy some!
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- Lea Ann says
Yes, I’ve also seen it at Penzy’s. Great store. You’re gonna love this one Susan.
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- Velva says
This cheese ball would be really nice for entertaining holidays or otherwise. It really brings the traditional cheese ball up a few notches. Very nice.
Happy New Year to you.
Velva
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- Lea Ann says
Thank you Velva. I really can’t wait to make it again. It’s a great crowd pleaser.
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- Vickie says
I MUST make this one – it has all my favorite flavors and you can bet I’ll be on the look out for aleppo pepper flakes. Thanks for the tip on a new way to heat up my dishes. I really like that purdy plate and spreader. It’s no wonder we have so many darned dishes when they photograph so beautifully. 😉
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- Lea Ann says
I thought you might like this one! It has your name written all over it. I’ve had that plate for several years, think it came from Crate and Barrel.
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- Karen says
Saw bacon, jalapeño, and cheese call out to me on erecipecards and had to come check it out!! Looks absolutely perfect and I love your addition of the Aleppo pepper. This would not last long at my house!
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- Lea Ann says
Thanks for stopping by Karen. It did not last long around here either.
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- Kristi Rimkus says
This would definitely be a hit in my house. The guys would love it! Have a fantastic day today, and a terrific new year to come!
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- Lea Ann says
Thanks Kristi
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- Jane says
Your pictures are gorgeous 🙂 Happy New Year! And thanks for the info on the spice shop … I never knew there was one by me! I am definitely going to check that out!
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- Lea Ann says
Happy New Year Jane. There’s one in downtown Denver also, on Raven street.
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- Heather @girlichef says
Oh yes, I totally wanted to make this one, too. It looks fantastic…wish I could have some. Happy New Year to you and yours, Lea Ann 🙂
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- Lea Ann says
Ya gotta give it a try Heather. Happy New Year.
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- Chilebrown says
Now that is what I am talking about. Yummy!
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- Lea Ann says
Happy New Year ChileB
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- Chris says
Normally when I see a cheese ball, I’m like, “Meh” but this one would definitely get my attention. It’s an ABT (smoked stuffed pepper) in ball form, how could I not love it?
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- Lea Ann says
I certainly loved it. 🙂
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- dan says
Num. Hopefully you’ll be distributing these as gifts in the near future.
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- Lea Ann says
Well, if you twist my arm how about served at next Wine Time.
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- dan says
Ya ! yer cool.
- Lea Ann says
Happy New Year to you too Dan. 🙂
- Larry says
I’ve never met a cheese ball I didn’t like and with the kicked up southwestern flavors, I’m sure I’d love this one – great shot of it as well. Hope you and Bob ring in the new year in fine fashion and I look forward to another year with you.
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- Lea Ann says
Thanks Larry, Happy New Year to you and Bev and look forward to more of your posts also.
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- Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen says
You always find the neatest spices Lea Ann. I’ve never heard of aleppo pepper flakes. Besides a lot of fabulous flavors, they make the cheese ball look so pretty. I didn’t make a cheese ball this year, probably because (come close I’ll whisper ……a diet) it’s hard not to resist eating some before you present it to your guests.
I hadn’t thought of it being a southern thing, but now that you mention it, it probably is. I’ve made or eaten cheese balls all of my life and if you could hear my accent, there would be no doubt that I’m from the south.
Happy new year to you and your family.
SamReply
- Lea Ann says
Oh no … not a (whispering) diet!!! 🙂 You must try aleppo pepper flakes Sam. I like their level of heat and flavor.
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- Joanne says
I haven’t made a cheese ball…EVER. Uh, yeah. Need to change that.
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- Lea Ann says
EVER???? I think it must be your young age. They were popular waaaay back when.
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- Barbara | Creative Culinary says
Like you I haven’t had a cheese ball in a very long time; it’s funny how things like this seem to go out of favor but for no particular reason. I can see the appeal…no one made a cheese ball back in the day with this measure of heat! I know I would love the combination of cool and creamy cheese combined with the heat of the peppers. YUM!
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- Lea Ann says
I agree Barb. Remember when cheese balls were all the rage. Every once in a while I’ve purchased them over the years, but haven’t made one in a long time. This is a good recipe, you should give it a try.
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- beti says
what a great idea! it looks incredibly good and perfect for tomorrow
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- Lea Ann says
Thanks for stopping by and the comment. I agree, perfect for a party.
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- Karen Harris says
Oh boy, I know what I’m making for New Year’s day. I have some dried aleppo peppers that I got from Marx Foods some time ago for one of their contests so I’m going to sprinkle them over this. Have a great New Year celebration. Hope to get together with you early in 2012!
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- Lea Ann says
Thanks Karen. Happy New Year to you and see you soon.
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