Description
Bold, creamy, and perfectly crunchy, these Spicy Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls are your new favorite party hit. Each golden-fried ball is filled with a cheesy, spicy blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and fresh jalapeños, plus crispy bacon for that savory edge. Whether you’re looking for an easy recipe to impress guests, a quick appetizer idea, or a fun party snack, these cheese balls deliver flavor and fun. Great for game days, holiday parties, or any gathering where snack-worthy bites are a must. They reheat beautifully in an air fryer and are super customizable to your heat level. Make them once, and they’ll be on repeat for every celebration.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 to 1.5 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped
4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 scallions, finely chopped
0.5 tsp garlic powder
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
Optional: 12 cubes of mozzarella (1/2 inch each)
Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar, jalapeños, bacon, scallions, and garlic powder until fully combined.
2. Scoop about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mixture and form into a ball. Press a mozzarella cube into the center if using, and seal.
3. Place cheese balls on a tray and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
4. Prepare three bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, panko in the third.
5. Roll each ball in flour, dip in egg, then coat in panko breadcrumbs.
6. Heat oil to 350°F and fry the balls in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy.
7. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For extra heat, use serrano peppers or add red chili flakes to the mix.
These freeze well after breading. Fry from frozen for an extra minute or two.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese ball
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 38mg
Keywords: jalapeño poppers, cheese balls, bacon snacks, party appetizers, fried cheese balls