Jalapeno Cheese Ball Bites Recipe

Introduction

Jalapeno Cheese Ball Bites are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines spicy jalapenos with creamy cheeses and crunchy bacon-pecan coating. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or casual snacking.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1-2 jalapenos, seeded & minced
• 4 oz pimentos, diced and drained
• 6 slices bacon, cooked & chopped small
• 1 cup pecans, chopped small
• Pretzel sticks

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix together sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, pepper, minced jalapenos, and diced pimentos until well combined.
2. Step 2: Cover the mixture and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to let the flavors meld and firm up the mixture.
3. Step 3: In a shallow dish, combine the cooked and chopped bacon with the chopped pecans, mixing well.
4. Step 4: Roll the chilled cheese mixture into small balls and then roll each ball in the bacon and pecan mixture until fully coated.
5. Step 5: Insert a pretzel stick into the center of each ball just before serving for an easy-to-eat appetizer.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder version, reduce the amount of jalapenos or use milder peppers.
• Try substituting pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
• Make mini balls for a party platter, or larger ones to serve as individual appetizers.
• Wrap balls in plastic wrap after chilling to help shape them more easily before coating.

Storage

Store the cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to roll them in the bacon and pecan mixture just before serving to keep the coating crunchy. Reheat is not recommended as the texture changes, but they can be served chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the cheese balls in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese mixture and chill it a day ahead. Roll and coat the balls just before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.

What can I use instead of pretzel sticks?

Wooden toothpicks or small appetizer forks work well as alternatives to pretzel sticks for serving these cheese balls.

Jalapeno Cheese Ball Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 93 reviews

Delicious and savory Jalapeno Cheese Ball Bites combining sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and a kick of fresh jalapenos, coated in a flavorful mix of crispy bacon and crunchy pecans. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, these bites are easy to prepare and serve with pretzel sticks for effortless dipping and enjoyment.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (for bacon)
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 20 cheese ball bites 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Mixture

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1–2 jalapenos, seeded & minced
• 4 oz pimentos, diced and drained

Coating

• 6 slices bacon, cooked & chopped small
• 1 cup pecans, chopped small

For Serving

• Pretzel sticks

Instructions

1. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, room temperature cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, pepper, minced jalapenos, and diced pimentos. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, creating a smooth and flavorful cheese mixture.
2. Chill Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the cheese mixture for 1 hour. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and firms up the mixture, making it easier to shape into balls.
3. Prepare Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the chopped cooked bacon and finely chopped pecans. Mix these together evenly to create a crunchy and savory coating for the cheese balls.
4. Form Cheese Balls & Coat: After chilling, scoop out portions of the cheese mixture and roll each into a ball using your hands. Immediately roll each cheese ball in the bacon and pecan mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thorough and even coating over the entire surface.
5. Insert Pretzel Sticks & Serve: Just before serving, insert a pretzel stick into the center of each cheese ball to serve as a convenient handle for eating. Arrange the Jalapeno Cheese Ball Bites on a platter and enjoy as an irresistible snack or appetizer.

Notes

• For less heat, reduce the amount of jalapenos or omit the cayenne pepper.
• Can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
• Use fresh grated sharp cheddar for the best texture and flavor.
• Serve with additional pretzels or crackers for dipping.
• Ensure bacon is well cooked and crisp for maximum crunch in the coating.

Keywords: jalapeno cheese ball, cheese ball bites, bacon cheese appetizer, party snacks, jalapeno appetizers