These Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Balls are a great no-bake appetizer that’s smoky, creamy and packed with flavor. Great for prepping ahead!
These Bacon Jalapeño Cheddar Cheese Balls are everything you want in a holiday appetizer—creamy, cheesy, a little spicy, and totally addictive. They’re made with sharp cheddar, cream cheese, sour cream, chopped bacon, and jalapeño for just the right balance of smoky heat and rich flavor. Once rolled in a mix of crispy breadcrumbs, bacon bits, and chives, they chill in the fridge until party time—making them the easiest make-ahead app.
The combo of sharp cheddar, bacon, and jalapeño is seriously unbeatable. Each bite has that creamy center, a little crunch from the coating, and a pop of heat that keeps you coming back for more. They’re festive, crowd-pleasing, and dangerously easy to love. Trust me—you have to try them.
If you like this app, you’ll love my Prosciutto Wrapped Tater Tots and my Jalapeño Poppers 3 Ways.
Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Balls
Ingredients
The filling:
- 8 oz whipped or softened cream cheese
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar
- 1 tbsp sour cream
- 3 slices of bacon + more for the coating see below
- 1 jalapeño
- Sea salt
- Pepper
The coating:
- 9 more slices of bacon
- 3/4 cup toasted breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped chives
Instructions
- Cook bacon: Start by cooking bacon in a skillet until nice and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate. When cool enough to touch, chop until minced.
- Make coating: Combine coating ingredients in a bowl and mix until combined. Pour onto a plate in an even layer and set aside while you make the filling.
- Make filling: Combine filling ingredients in one bowl, and using a tablespoon or scooper, scoop into 12 balls. Roll each ball in the coating blend until completely covered in an even layer.
- Transfer to a baking sheet or plate and refrigerate for at least an hour or until ready to serve. Enjoy!
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