Spicy Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls Recipe
These Spicy Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls are a delightful appetizer combining creamy sharp cheddar and cream cheese, spicy jalapeños, savory bacon, and crispy panko coating, perfect for parties or snacking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cheese balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 113g cream cheese, softened
- 120g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 2 jalapeños, finely diced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Breading & Frying
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until smooth. Fold in the finely diced jalapeños, chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly mixed.
- Form Cheese Balls: Using your hands, shape the cheese mixture into small bite-sized balls, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a tray and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Set Up Breading Stations: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat Cheese Balls: Remove the chilled cheese balls from the refrigerator. Roll each ball first in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs. For extra crispness, you may repeat the egg and panko steps once more.
- Heat Oil for Frying: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if available to maintain proper frying temperature.
- Fry Cheese Balls: Carefully drop the coated cheese balls into the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Allow the popper cheese balls to cool for a minute and serve warm as an appetizer or snack with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Chilling the cheese balls before breading helps them hold their shape during frying.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your preferred spice level.
- To make the coating extra crispy, double dip in egg and breadcrumbs.
- Monitor oil temperature closely to avoid greasy cheese balls.
- These can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes as a healthier alternative.
Keywords: jalapeño popper, cheese balls, bacon appetizer, fried cheese balls, party snacks, spicy appetizers