Jalapeno Bacon Swiss Cheese Ball
Jalapeno Bacon Swiss Cheese Ball is loaded inside and out with chopped bacon, fresh jalapeno, and shredded cheese. This cheesy ball of awesomeness is the perfect appetizer for parties, holidays, football, and potlucks!
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Bacon. Cheese. Jalapenos. Let me introduce you to Jalapeno Bacon Swiss Cheese Ball, an appetizer that is made with three of my favorite things.
I love cheese, so naturally, I’m a fan of cheese balls.
What goes great with cheese? Bacon! What goes great with bacon? Jalapenos!
This amazing cheese ball is kind of like a deconstructed jalapeno popper. Each bite is loaded with the perfect amount of each ingredient!
Ingredients needed for this recipe (scroll down for complete recipe):
- Cream cheese
- Swiss cheese
- Jalapenos
- Bacon
- Parmesan
- Chives
- Spices – garlic powder, smoked paprika, pepper
I know it’s customary to have chopped nuts on the exterior of a cheese ball, and although I do like nuts, I don’t like them on or in my cheese ball.
To me, nuts are for snacking, muffins, banana bread, etc. They don’t go in my chicken salad either, but I digress.
How to make this recipe:
- Just combine some crisp bacon with minced jalapenos, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, chives, and a little smoked paprika.
- Form it into a big ball and then roll it around in a delicious coating of shredded parmesan, bacon, and minced jalapenos. This thing is exploding with flavor, literally, from the inside out.
📍The full recipe with exact ingredient amounts and instructions is on the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
How to serve this jalapeno bacon cheese ball:
- Serve with strong, hearty crackers for dipping or with a cheese knife for spreading on crackers
- If for some reason you have any leftover jalapeno popper cheese ball, spread it on a tortilla, add some turkey and spinach and roll it up for a tasty lunch.
The great thing about this cheese ball is that you can totally make it your own.
Add more ingredients, leave some out, swap Swiss cheese for sharp cheddar or pepper jack – you can’t ruin a cheese ball.
You might be thinking, “Wow, that’s a lot of jalapeno”, but this is not very spicy since you remove the seeds and ribs inside. You just get the wonderful flavor of jalapeno with just a touch of heat.
Fan of cheese balls?
I also have a Cheddar Jalapeno Taco Cheese Ball, a spicy Ghost Pepper Cheese Ball, and for dessert, a Lemon Cheesecake Cheese Ball!(shown below)
Looking for more appetizer recipes? Here are some favorites:
- Sausage Stuffed Sweet Mini Peppers
- Marinated Cheese & Olive Antipasto (shown below)
- Cheesy Baked Spicy Italian Dip
- Harissa Garlic Hummus
How to store the cheese ball:
Keep cheese ball in an air-tight container or wrapped securely in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
NOTES:
- Make sure the cream cheese is room temperature so you can easily combine the ingredients.
- If you’re not a fan of Swiss cheese, feel free to swap it out for another!
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Jalapeno Bacon Swiss Cheese Ball
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 7 slices center-cut bacon cooked until crispy, divided
- 8 oz. cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup minced jalapeno divided (save half for coating)
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 1/2 tbsp sliced chives
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. smoked paprika
- couple grinds of black pepper
- 3 tbsp shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- To make the ball: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, Swiss cheese, chives, garlic powder, smoked paprika, 4 tbsp. of the jalapeno, and some pepper, and mix it with a hand mixer until combined well. Be sure to scrape up the sides and bottom of bowl with a rubber spatula.
- Take 4 slices of the cooked bacon and crumble it into the cheese ball mixture. Mash with a fork to really get it combined, then roll into a ball. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the coating. In a shallow dish, crumble the last 3 slices of bacon and combine it with the other 4 tbsp. of jalapeno and shredded parmesan. Stir to combine. Roll cheese ball in coating, pressing it on the outside to fully cover the exterior. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Did you make this recipe? Rate it and let me know in the comments below! ♥
I also have a fun Facebook group for us foodies to share recipes and talk about food. I’d love to have you! Request to join HERE. Cheers!
So delicious! Made it for my family Thanksgiving and it was gone too fast!
So glad it was a hit!
I think it would be better with Triscuits.