🥓🌶️ Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls – The Perfect Bite-Sized Appetizer!

Creamy cheese balls loaded with cheddar, crispy bacon, and spicy jalapeños, then rolled in crunchy toppings! Easy, flavorful, and perfect for parties, holidays, or game day!

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🛒 Ingredients (Makes 20-24 Mini Cheese Balls)

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices crispy bacon (crumbled)
• 2 jalapeños (seeded & finely chopped)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt & black pepper (to taste)
• ½ cup chopped pecans or crushed crackers (for coating)
• 2 tbsp fresh chives or parsley (chopped)
• Pretzel sticks or toothpicks (for serving)

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🔪 Directions

1️⃣ Mix the cheese filling:

• In a bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Mix until well combined.

2️⃣ Shape into balls:

• Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls (about 20-24 mini cheese balls).

3️⃣ Coat for crunch:

• In a separate bowl, mix chopped pecans (or crackers) and fresh chives/parsley.
• Roll each cheese ball in the coating mixture until fully covered.

4️⃣ Chill & serve:

• Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to firm up.
• Insert pretzel sticks or toothpicks for easy serving!

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⏱ Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 20-24 mini cheese balls

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💡 Tips for the Best Cheese Balls

✅ Make ahead – Prepare a day in advance & refrigerate!
✅ Adjust spice – Use mild or hot jalapeños to your preference.
✅ Try different coatings – Crushed Ritz crackers, bacon bits, or shredded cheese!

📌 Save this easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next party! 🎉🔥