A Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Ball is the ultimate appetizer—creamy, cheesy, smoky, and just the right amount of spicy. It’s the kind of recipe that takes minutes to put together but tastes like you spent way more time on it. Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just want a flavorful snack to share, this cheese ball is always a hit. Serve it with crackers, pretzels, or fresh veggies, and watch it disappear!

This is truly one of the easiest appetizers to make and I’m not exaggerating when I saw that everyone loves it. Even if you have your doubts about a ball of cheese, just wait until you try it. It’s addictive.

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.
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!

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Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Ball

Laura

This Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Ball is a great party appetizer with cream cheese, shredded cheese, jalapenos, bacon, and spices.

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Prep Time 5

Refrigeration 15

Total Time 20

Course Appetizers

Cuisine American

Servings servings

Calories 241 kcal

Ingredients

1-2 jalapeño peppers finely chopped, seeds and veins removed (divided)
8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
1/2 cup Mexican cheese blend finely shredded
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
8 slices bacon cooked

Instructions

Combine half the jalapeño peppers, cream cheese, Mexican cheese, and seasonings in a large bowl. Stir well to combine.
Shape the cheese mixture into a ball with your hands. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to firm up for at least 15 minutes.
Combine the bacon crumbs and half the jalapeño pepper in a large bowl and stir. Remove cheese ball from refrigerator. Gently roll it in the bowl of bacon and jalapeño until thoroughly coated. Put the cheese ball on a serving dish and serve with sliced vegetables and/or crackers.