Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Ball

This Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Ball recipe is easy to make and a hit at every party. For a perfect party snack, a creamy base is loaded with crispy smoky bacon, spicy jalapeños, and sharp cheddar. Making a cheese ball recipe is easy and best when made ahead of time, making it ideal for any gathering!

Ingredients

For the Cheese Ball:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or dressing
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 ½ tablespoons green onion, finely sliced
• ¾ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 tablespoons bacon, chopped
• ⅓ cup canned jalapeños, diced

For the Topping:

• ½ cup Panko bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tablespoons bacon, chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced

Directions

Make the Cheese Ball

1. Mix the Base:
   Combine the softened cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a large bowl.
   Use an electric mixer to blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
2. Add the Fillings:
   Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated parmesan cheese, chopped bacon, finely sliced green onion, and diced jalapeños until evenly distributed.
3. Shape the Cheese Ball:
   Transfer the cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Gather the wrap around the mixture and form it into a ball.
   Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least one hour to allow it to firm up.

Prepare the Topping

1. Toast the Panko:
   In a small pan, combine the Panko bread crumbs and butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the bread crumbs are lightly browned and toasted.
   Remove from heat and let cool completely.
2. Combine Topping Ingredients:
   Mix the cooled Panko bread crumbs, chopped fresh parsley, additional chopped bacon, and finely diced jalapeño pepper in a bowl.

Assemble the Cheese Ball

1. Coat the Cheese Ball:
   Once the cheese ball has chilled and firmed up, remove it from the refrigerator.
   Roll the cheese ball in the prepared topping mixture, pressing gently to ensure the topping sticks to the entire surface of the cheese ball.

Serve

1. Serve with Dippers:
   Place the cheese ball on a serving platter and surround it with an assortment of dippers such as crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, celery sticks, and bell pepper slices.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: Prepare the cheese ball and the topping up to two days in advance. Store the cheese ball and topping separately in the refrigerator. Roll the cheese ball in the topping just before serving.
• Spice Level: Adjust the spiciness by using more or fewer jalapeños or opting for fresh jalapeños instead of canned ones.
• Presentation: For a visually appealing presentation, garnish the cheese ball with extra chopped parsley or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make Bacon Jalapeño Cheese Ball at your next party or gathering! It's sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its creamy, spicy, and savory flavors.