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This Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Ball Appetizer is a hit at any party. You can make it as spicy or mild as you like by removing the seeds and ribs of the jalapeno. Serve it with crackers or sliced vegetables for a great party appetizer.

» You should try these Bourbon Bacon BBQ Chicken Skewers and these 32 Super Tasty Party Appetizers for Any Occasion.

It’s a classic party appetizer that once was served as part of every food spread. I haven’t seen it in a while, but I think it’s time to bring it back! I mean, it’s really one of the easiest appetizers to make and it makes a great impression. Who doesn’t like bacon and cheese!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bacon – Thick-cut bacon works really well. Choose your favorite brand.
Jalapeno pepper – 1 finely chopped pepper. You adjust the heat. If you want it spicier, leave a few seeds and the white internal ribs intact. If you don’t want it spicy at all, remove all the seeds and all of the white ribs.
Cream cheese – Room temperature so that it is easy to work with.
Mexican blend cheese – finely shredded. Mexican blend cheese is a mixture of Monterey Jack, cheddar, queso quesadilla, and asadero cheeses
Seasonings – Smoked paprika, seasoning salt, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

How to Make a Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Ball

The best thing about this cheese ball appetizers is how easy it is to make. It takes only a few ingredients. All you have to do is mix it all together, form it into a ball, refrigerate it for an hour or so, then roll it in the bacon and jalapenos and serve it. Super simple.

To make things easier, you can use a handheld blender (see our handheld blender reviews), which will make the dip creamy and smooth without much fuss. You can also just stir it all together with a spoon or whisk if you prefer.

Helpful Tips

Cooking the bacon until it’s really crispy makes it easier to break it up into the little pieces needed to coat the outside of the cheese ball. Here’s a method for making perfect bacon in the oven.
You can adjust the heat in the jalapenos. If you want it spicier, leave a few seeds and the white internal ribs intact. If you don’t want it spicy at all, remove all the seeds and all of the white ribs. Here’s a method for cutting a jalapeno the right way.
Refrigerate the cheese ball until just before you want to serve it and then roll it in the crumbled bacon and jalapenos. Refrigerating after rolling will lead to soggy bacon.
The cheese ball can be refrigerated for up to a week. Make ahead for parties and save time!
If you don’t like jalapeno, it can be substituted with green onion for a milder cheese ball.

What to Serve a Cheese Ball With

The best accompaniments for this bacon cheese ball is crackers, toasted baguette slices, and sliced vegetables like carrots, radishes, and cucumbers. If you want to get creative, I also think that apple and pear slices are fantastic with this cheese.

For the vegetables, you can make quick work of slicing them with a mandolin (like this one). You can cut a couple carrots, cucumbers and radishes in under 5 minutes. If you don’t have the time to cut vegetables, I like to buy carrot chips – they’re perfect for scooping up cheese.

While you are chopping the jalapenos you might like to try these air fryer jalapeno poppers. Perfect for any party or get together.

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