This jalapeno popper cheese ball is everything you love about jalapeno poppers rolled into a creamy, cheesy, spicy ball of goodness. It’s packed with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and jalapenos, bringing just the right balance of creamy, cheesy, and spicy.

What makes it even better? It’s coated in crispy bacon, extra jalapenos, and cheddar for a bite that’s bursting with flavor.

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I remember making this for a family get-together once, and we barely had time to set it out before everyone started digging in. Now it’s one of those recipes I can count on to be a crowd favorite every time. It’s like the best part of jalapeno poppers but in a sharable, no-fuss form.

How to Make a Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball

Here are the ingredients you need to make this jalapeno popper cheese ball, plus step by step instructions for how to make it.

Ingredients

2 – 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp sour cream
1 tsp garlic powder
1 cup finely shredded sharp cheddar, reserve half
2/3 cup bacon pieces, reserve half
2 large jalapenos (or 3 medium), finely diced, reserve half

Step by Step Instructions

#1. Start by dicing the jalapenos into small, fine pieces. For a milder cheese ball, remove the seeds and membranes before dicing. If you prefer more heat, leave them intact.

Chopped jalapeno and cutting knife on a chopping board.

2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and garlic powder. Use an electric mixer on low speed (or a silicone spatula) to blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

On the left, cream cheese, sour cream, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl. On the right the ingredients blended.

3. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon pieces, and diced jalapeños. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

4. Using your hands (gloves are recommended for easier handling), form the mixture into a ball. Place the cheese ball onto a sheet of parchment paper to keep it from sticking to your surface.

Jalapeno popper mixture formed into a cheese ball.

5. Transfer the cheese ball to the refrigerator and chill it for about 15 minutes. This step helps it firm up slightly, making it easier to coat.

6. In a small bowl, combine the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, bacon pieces, and diced jalapenos. This will be the outer coating for the cheese ball.

Outer coating mixture for the jalapeno popper cheese ball.

7. Remove the cheese ball from the fridge. Using a gloved hand, gently press the prepared coating mixture onto the surface of the cheese ball. Be sure to cover the entire ball evenly, including the top, sides, and bottom, for a visually appealing and flavorful finish.

Placing the outer coating mixture onto the cheese ball.

8. Place the coated cheese ball back in the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese ball to firm up to the perfect consistency.

9. When ready to serve, place the cheese ball on a serving platter. Pair with crackers, pretzels, vegetable sticks, or any of your favorite dippers.

Jalapeno popper cheese ball on a white platter.

This jalapeno popper cheese ball hits all the right notes—spicy, savory, cheesy, and downright addictive. It’s simple to make, looks impressive on the table, and pairs perfectly with crackers, pretzels, or veggies. Whether it’s a casual get-together or a festive celebration, this appetizer always delivers. Give it a try, and watch it disappear as fast as you can serve it.

Print Recipe

Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball

This jalapeno popper cheese ball is a crowd-pleaser that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with just the right amount of spice. It’s the perfect addition to any party spread or casual gathering.

Prep Time10

Chill Time1

Total Time1 10

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Servings: 10

Author: Carol

Ingredients

2 – 8 oz packages cream cheese softened
2 tbsp sour cream
1 tsp garlic powder
1 cup finely shredded sharp cheddar reserve half
2/3 cup bacon pieces reserve half
2 large jalapenos or 3 medium, finely diced, reserve half

Instructions

Start by dicing the jalapenos into small, fine pieces. For a milder cheese ball, remove the seeds and membranes before dicing. If you prefer more heat, leave them intact.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and garlic powder. Use an electric mixer on low speed (or a silicone spatula) to blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon pieces, and diced jalapeños. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Using your hands (gloves are recommended for easier handling), form the mixture into a ball shape. Place the cheese ball onto a sheet of parchment paper to keep it from sticking to your surface.
Transfer the cheese ball to the refrigerator and chill it for about 15 minutes. This step helps it firm up slightly, making it easier to coat.
In a small bowl, combine the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, bacon pieces, and diced jalapeños. This will be the outer coating for the cheese ball.
Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator. Using a gloved hand, gently press the prepared coating mixture onto the surface of the cheese ball. Be sure to cover the entire ball evenly, including the top, sides, and bottom, for a visually appealing and flavorful finish.
Place the coated cheese ball back in the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese ball to firm up to the perfect consistency.
When ready to serve, transfer the cheese ball to a serving platter. Pair it with crackers, pretzels, vegetable sticks, or any of your favorite dippers.