Cream Cheese Balls Recipe
Delicious and creamy cheese balls made with a blend of cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crispy bacon, and spicy jalapeños, seasoned with garlic and onion powders, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. These bite-sized appetizers are chilled, coated with your choice of nuts, crackers, or fresh herbs for added texture and flavor, making them perfect for parties or snacks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for cooking bacon)
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 jalapeños, finely diced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Coating
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts, crushed crackers, or fresh herbs (for coating)
- Optional: leftover crushed bacon bits for additional coating
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese (if using), crumbled cooked bacon, finely diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is uniform and smooth.
- Shape the Cream Cheese Balls: Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and shape each portion into 1-inch balls by rolling them between your palms. Arrange the formed balls on a lined baking sheet or plate.
- Chill the Balls: Place the cream cheese balls into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step firms them up, making them easier to coat and handle.
- Prepare the Coating: Place your choice of coating—whether chopped nuts, crushed crackers, or fresh herbs—in a shallow dish. Roll each chilled cream cheese ball in the coating until it is evenly covered. You may optionally add some leftover crushed bacon bits to the coating mixture for added flavor.
- Serve: Transfer the coated cream cheese balls onto a serving platter. Serve immediately alongside crackers or fresh veggies for a delightful appetizer or snack.
Notes
- You can omit the cheddar cheese for a milder flavor or to make the recipe simpler.
- Adjust the number of jalapeños depending on your preferred spice level.
- For a nut-free option, use crushed crackers or fresh herbs for coating.
- To save time, prepare the bacon in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
- These cream cheese balls are best served chilled but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Keywords: cream cheese balls, appetizer, party snack, bacon cheese bites, jalapeño cheese balls, easy appetizers
Find it online: https://deliciousdishspot.com/cream-cheese-balls-recipe/
