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Make this easy Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball for your next party or gathering, and watch it disappear fast! This is a great make ahead appetizer! 
Warmer weather is ON THE WAY!! Okay, sorry. For me, it’s here. And this is the best time of year. Not yet blistering hot (in Phoenix), but no longer a need for a long sleeved t-shirt either.
The boys are in the pool already (I need another month), so the husband I like to sit out on the back patio, enjoy a few beverages, watch the kids play and … eat snacks.
Like this: 
We LOVE jalapeno poppers, so I decided to create this cheese ball to resemble those! So, we have cream cheese, jalapenos, cheddar, BACON, cilantro, crispy toasted panko and because it’s a cheese ball – nuts.
Obviously, there’s salt, pepper and a few other spices in it too – but man, it’s so easy to make (and needs zero oven time). Perfect when you’re craving these flavors, and SUPER easy to make ahead and bring out when needed.
Want a bite?
I love to have this cheese ball hanging out in the fridge ready for whenever the mood strikes.
I also make a DELICIOUS ham and pineapple cheese ball, if you are looking for an alternate!
Look at these simple ingredients!
Kylee’s Notes for Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball Recipe:
- Roll the cheese ball in crushed cashews
- Add a little hot sauce to make it extra spicy
- Mix up the types of crackers you serve – something for everyone!
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Want more appetizers? Of course you do!
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- Ham & Pineapple Cheese Ball
-
- Fresh Tomato & Goat Cheese Tart
-
- Warm Spinach & Artichoke Dip with Skillet Bread
-
- Easy Skillet Queso Recipe
Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup almonds chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ÂĽ tsp salt
- 1 jalapeno large, diced
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon crumbled
- ÂĽ cup cilantro fresh , minced
To serve
- Crackers you choose!
Instructions
- In a large non-stick skillet, toast the panko and almonds over medium high heat, moving constantly so the breadcrumbs and nuts do not burn. They’re done when they’re golden brown! Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin and salt.
- Fold in the jalapeno, bacon and cilantro
- Form the mixture into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for an hour.
- Remove from fridge and roll in the toasted panko and almonds.
- Refrigerate until needed.
- Serve with crackers.
- Devour.
Nutrition
Reader Interactions
Comments
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Kat
April 24, 2018 at 8:41 amI hate the look of a cheese ball, but i love the taste!
Danielle
April 25, 2018 at 5:36 amI am loving this cheese ball! I buy them from the store when I get a hankering for a cheese ball (more often than I like to admit), but really should try making my own. Great recipe Kylee!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome
April 25, 2018 at 7:07 amWhat a delicious idea! I would be honored if you shared this at our What’s for Dinner link party!
Karly
April 25, 2018 at 7:38 amI love jalapeno poppers so I’m sure I would love this! Looks delicious!
Reesa Lewandowski
May 19, 2018 at 3:48 pmThis is perfect for parties and get togethers! We love Bake to Nature crackers and cookies! Can’t wait to try this!
Carlee
May 25, 2018 at 6:43 pmI automatically know we are going to love anything jalapeno popper inspired. I cannot wait to make this for our next family gathering!
Claudia Lamascolo
May 26, 2018 at 4:31 amI love cheeseballs and make them for work parties and every Christmas. I never tried putting that extra kick of hot peppers in mine. This is a tasty idea and I sure am going to try this next time! Thanks for the recipe this looks great especially with toasted garlic pita points!
Natalie
May 26, 2018 at 1:17 pmI’m soooooo saving this recipe. Sounds absolutely delicious – great flavor combo. I love cheeseball for many reasons – and one most important is – cheeseball is such a fantastic crowd pleaser. Can’t wait to try this!
Veena Azmanov
May 26, 2018 at 2:07 pmI am loving how this looks and sounds. I am a huge cheese person. I can never have enough cheese and this would be a perfect snack for me – with my favorite movie of course.
Marlynn
May 26, 2018 at 2:40 pmWhat a fun and yummy appetizer! I’m dairy free but always include some cheese for guests at parties because what’s a party without cheese? 🙂
Pavani
May 26, 2018 at 2:52 pmYumm, what am inviting and delicious looking cheese ball that is. It is so easy to make too. Love the addition of jalapeño in there. Sounds spicy and amazing.
Oana Iancu
May 27, 2018 at 4:54 amI love cheeseballs so much, I make them so often not only when having a get together or special occasions. I love the extra punch of hot peppers added to it. Cannot wait to give it a try
Gloria
May 27, 2018 at 7:19 amThis looks like a fun party dish. I love cheese….and hubby love jalapenos…so this is a win here.
Presentation is always great with these fun cheese balls.
Calleigh K
May 27, 2018 at 7:28 pmOMG.. I so love this cheeseball that this is always present in every family gathering.
Yogesh
November 19, 2018 at 12:30 amDelicious ????
cyndy
August 1, 2019 at 7:16 amdo I have to keep it cold…would it work for a barbeque?
Kylee
August 2, 2019 at 7:07 amIt will be fine for a little while out of the refrigerator (you’ll want to let it sit at room temp for 5 mins to soften anyway), but it really depends on how hot it is, and how long it will be out before being eaten. It’s cream cheese and cheddar – so will melt if you leave it out too long. But, it gets eaten fast, so that’s a bonus!