Bacon Jalapeño Cream Cheese Balls (Printable View)

Cheesy bacon jalapeño balls coated with crunchy nuts or herbs for a savory party snack.

# Ingredient List:

→ Cheese Mixture

01 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
02 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
03 - 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
04 - 2 jalapeños, finely diced
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
07 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - Salt, to taste
09 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Coating

10 - 1/2 cup chopped nuts, crushed crackers, or fresh herbs

# Preparation Steps:

01 - In a medium bowl, blend softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until uniformly mixed.
02 - Scoop portions of the mixture with a tablespoon or small cookie scoop and form into 1-inch balls by hand. Arrange on a lined baking sheet or plate.
03 - Refrigerate cheese balls for a minimum of 30 minutes to ensure they are firm and easy to handle.
04 - Place your choice of chopped nuts, crushed crackers, or herbs in a shallow dish. Roll each chilled cheese ball in the coating until completely covered. If desired, include additional bacon bits.
05 - Transfer the coated cheese balls to a serving platter and serve alongside crackers or raw vegetables.

# Supplementary Details:

01 - For extra flavor and texture, use a combination of coatings and consider roasted nuts for a deeper profile.