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.
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!Click To Tweet
Want a bite?
I love to have this cheese ball hanging out in the fridge ready for whenever the mood strikes. Look at these simple ingredients!
Kylee’s Notes for Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball:
- 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!
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ chopped Back to Nature almonds
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 large jalapeno diced
- 1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro minced
- Back to Nature crackers you choose!
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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.
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In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin and salt.
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Fold in the jalapeno, bacon and cilantro
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Form the mixture into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap.
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Refrigerate for an hour.
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Remove from fridge and roll in the toasted panko and almonds.
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Refrigerate until needed.
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Serve with Back to Nature crackers
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Devour.
Kat says
I hate the look of a cheese ball, but i love the taste!
Danielle says
I 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 says
What a delicious idea! I would be honored if you shared this at our What’s for Dinner link party!
Karly says
I love jalapeno poppers so I’m sure I would love this! Looks delicious!
Reesa Lewandowski says
This is perfect for parties and get togethers! We love Bake to Nature crackers and cookies! Can’t wait to try this!
Carlee says
I automatically know we are going to love anything jalapeno popper inspired. I cannot wait to make this for our next family gathering!
Claudia Lamascolo says
I 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 says
I’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 says
I 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 says
What 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 says
Yumm, 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 says
I 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 says
This 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 says
OMG.. I so love this cheeseball that this is always present in every family gathering.