Description
These Spicy Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls are everything you love about party snacks—crispy, creamy, cheesy, and full of bold flavor. Stuffed with three kinds of cheese, smoky bacon, and spicy jalapeños, they’re perfect for entertaining or game night. Easy to make ahead and freezer-friendly, this appetizer is a total crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
3 jalapeños, finely diced (fresh or pickled)
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
3 green onions, finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 and 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
Oil, for frying (canola or vegetable)
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, diced jalapeños, crumbled bacon, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
2. Scoop and roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch wide) and place them on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.
3. Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
4. Roll each chilled cheese ball in flour, dip in egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
5. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry balls in small batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
7. Serve warm with dipping sauces like ranch or chipotle mayo. Garnish with extra bacon and green onions if desired.
Notes
Chill the cheese balls before breading and frying—this helps them hold their shape and prevents oozing.
Want to prep ahead? Bread them and freeze. You can fry straight from frozen, no thawing needed.
Use a wire rack if baking instead of frying to keep the bottom crispy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese ball
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 0.6g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 28mg
Keywords: jalapeño, cheese balls, bacon, appetizer, party food