Name: Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 ounces cream cheese, softened.; 4 tablespoons sour cream.; ½ teaspoon garlic powder.; 2 large jalapeños, seeds and stems removed, finely chopped.; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese.; Salt and pepper, to taste.; 1 jalapeño, seeds and stems removed, finely chopped.; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, chopped.; 2 green onions, sliced thin.; ⅓ cup pecans, finely chopped.

Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball is the ultimate party appetizer. With a smooth blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and sharp cheddar cheese, this cheese ball is bursting with flavor. Finely chopped jalapeños give it a spicy kick, while the coating of extra cheddar cheese, green onions, and pecans adds crunch and flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday party, game day, or any celebration, this cheese ball is sure to impress. Serve it with low-carb dippers like celery, peppers, or pork rinds for a keto-friendly snack, or enjoy it with crackers or chips for a more indulgent option.

Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball is a creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy appetizer that’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or even game days. This easy-to-make cheese ball combines the flavors of jalapeño poppers into one delicious and crowd-pleasing dish. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just love cheese, this appetizer will be a hit!

Let’s explore the ingredients that make this Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball so irresistible.

INGREDIENTS

Cream Cheese: The base of this cheese ball, providing a rich and creamy texture. Be sure to soften the cream cheese for easy mixing and a smooth consistency.
Sour Cream: Adds an extra layer of creaminess and helps balance the flavors in the cheese ball.
Jalapeños: Freshly chopped jalapeños give this cheese ball its signature spicy kick. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
Shredded Sharp Cheddar: The sharpness of the cheddar cheese complements the creaminess of the base, adding a bold, cheesy flavor to every bite.
Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory flavor of the cheese ball with a subtle hint of garlic.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the cheese ball, balancing the creaminess with a touch of saltiness.

For the coating, you’ll use a combination of chopped jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, and chopped pecans to add crunch and extra flavor to the outer layer of the cheese ball.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to blend the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and fluffy. This creates the creamy base for the cheese ball.
Step 2:: Add the garlic powder, finely chopped jalapeños, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper to the cream cheese mixture. Mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 3:: Lay two long strips of plastic wrap in an ‘X’ shape on a flat surface. Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the center of the plastic wrap. Bring up the edges of the plastic wrap and twist the top tightly to form a ball shape. Place the wrapped cheese ball in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
Step 4:: On a flat surface, spread the chopped jalapeño, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and chopped pecans in an even layer. Once the cheese ball has firmed, unwrap it from the plastic wrap and roll it over the coating ingredients, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks to the surface.
Step 5:: Transfer the coated cheese ball to a serving platter. Serve it with your choice of low-carb dippers such as celery, bell peppers, or pork rinds. You can also serve it with crackers or chips for a more indulgent option.
Step 6:: Enjoy the creamy, spicy, and cheesy flavors of the Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball at your next gathering!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving: Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball is best served chilled with a variety of dippers. Low-carb options like celery sticks, bell peppers, and pork rinds are great choices, but you can also serve it with crackers, tortilla chips, or even toasted baguette slices for a more indulgent snack. This cheese ball makes a perfect addition to a party spread or appetizer table, and it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Storage: Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The coating may lose some of its crunch, but the flavors will remain delicious. To refresh the texture, you can add more freshly chopped jalapeños, cheese, or pecans before serving again.
Freezing: You can freeze the cheese ball before adding the coating. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and roll it in the fresh coating ingredients before serving.

Helpful Notes

Customizing the Heat Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of jalapeños or remove all the seeds. For extra heat, leave some seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
Cheese Options: You can experiment with different cheeses to create unique flavors. Try using a mix of cheddar and pepper jack for an extra spicy kick, or swap out the cheddar for gouda for a creamier, smokier flavor.
Make-Ahead Option: The cheese ball can be made a day in advance and kept chilled until ready to serve. This makes it a convenient option for parties where you want to prepare in advance.

Tips from well-known chefs

Chef Andrea suggests adding a drizzle of honey on top of the cheese ball for a sweet contrast to the spicy jalapeños, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Chef Tom recommends using roasted jalapeños for a deeper, smoky flavor. Roasting the jalapeños before chopping them will add an extra layer of complexity to the cheese ball.
Chef Lisa advises serving the cheese ball with bacon bits for an extra savory touch that pairs wonderfully with the creamy, cheesy texture.