Description
Creamy cheese balls wrapped with crispy bacon and zesty jalapeño elevate classic appetizer flavors into an irresistible party snack. Spicy, cheesy, and perfectly portable, these bite-sized treats deliver maximum flavor in one delightful handful for hungry guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup pickled jalapenos, chopped
Coating and Binding Ingredients:
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (1/2 cup for mixture, 1 cup for coating)
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Blend cream cheese, cheddar, diced jalapenos, crumbled bacon, herbs, and seasonings in a mixing bowl until thoroughly incorporated.
- Gently form the mixture into compact, uniform spheres approximately one inch in diameter.
- Create a three-stage coating process: first dust each sphere lightly with flour, then dip into whisked eggs, and finally roll in breadcrumbs for a crisp exterior.
- Arrange the prepared cheese balls on a chilled baking sheet and allow them to rest in the refrigerator for half an hour, which helps solidify their structure.
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the temperature is consistent for even cooking.
- Transfer the chilled cheese balls to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until they transform into a golden, crunchy exterior.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and crispness.
Notes
- Prep ahead by mixing and shaping balls the night before, storing them covered in the refrigerator to save time during cooking.
- Adjust spice levels by removing jalapeno seeds for milder version or adding extra chopped peppers for heat lovers.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make recipe celiac-friendly without compromising crispy exterior texture.
- Freeze unbaked cheese balls for up to 1 month, allowing convenient make-ahead appetizer option for unexpected guests or quick party snacks.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 203 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 352 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 57 mg