Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Ball Recipe

Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Ball served with crackers.

A wonderful South of the Border version of the classic cheese ball.

Course Appetizer Recipes

Cuisine Amerian

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 0

resting time 1

Total Time 1 15

Servings

Calories 103kcal

Author Lea Ann Brown

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese 4 ounces
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1 clove garlic minced
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon New Mexico Chile Powder or cayenne
1 teaspoon lime juice
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 jalapeños stems and seeds removed, diced, divided
6 ounces cooked bacon about 6 slices of regular bacon or 4 slices thick cut bacon
½ teaspoon Salt
¼ cup chopped pecans roasted
Crackers for serving

Instructions

Mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, cilantro, garlic, cumin, cayenne, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, half of the diced jalapeños and half of the crumbled cooked bacon. Taste and adjust seasonings and add salt.
Place the roasted pecans and remaining diced jalapeños and bacon on a plate. Stir together so well mixed. With your hands, roll the cheese mixture into a ball, then place on the plate and roll in the jalapeños, bacon and pecans until covered.
Chill covered for at least an hour before serving. Serve with crackers.

Notes

Tips for Success:

Allow at least one hour for cream cheese to come to room temperature.
Purchase good quality cheddar cheese and grate it yourself. Bagged pre-shredded contains fillers to keep it from sticking together in the bag, it simply doesn't taste as good as freshly grated.
Remove cheeseball about 15 minutes before serving so it softens slightly.
Cut the Jalapeno pepper in as small of pieces as you can. This will distribute that beautiful chile pepper flavor and heat throughout the cheese ball.
Make sure your bacon is cooked to a crispy stage. Even crispy, the bacon will soften a bit when combined with the cheese.

How To Roast Pecans: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spread pecans on a sheet pan. Roast until fragrant, about 7 minutes. Watch them closely so they don't burn.

Nutrition