Description
These Spicy Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls are a deliciously crispy and cheesy appetizer packed with the flavors of sharp cheddar, cream cheese, smoky bacon, and spicy jalapeños. Perfectly breaded and fried to golden perfection, they make a crowd-pleasing snack or party treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 113g cream cheese, softened
- 120g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 jalapeños, finely diced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Breading and Frying
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Add the finely diced jalapeños, cooked and crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Cheese Balls: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the cheese mixture into small bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the formed balls on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Set Up Breading Station: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread Cheese Balls: Roll each chilled cheese ball first in the flour, ensuring it is fully coated. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs. Place the breaded balls on a separate tray ready for frying.
- Heat Oil and Fry: In a deep skillet or deep fryer, heat 2 cups of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the breaded cheese balls in batches, frying for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried cheese balls with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm as a spicy, cheesy appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Make sure the cheese balls are chilled before breading; this helps maintain their shape during frying.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Serve with ranch or a spicy dipping sauce for an extra flavor boost.
- Leftover balls can be frozen before frying; thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
Keywords: jalapeño popper, cheese balls, appetizer, fried snack, bacon, spicy cheese balls