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Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Balls

These cheese balls are made by mixing creamy cheese with spicy jalapenos and crispy bacon, then shaping and baking them until golden and crunchy on the outside with a gooey interior. Their combination of textures includes a crispy exterior contrasting with a melty, cheesy center filled with bits of jalapeno and bacon.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack) freshly shredded for best melting
  • 4 slices bacon cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 2 jalapenos fresh jalapenos finely chopped, seeds removed if less heat desired
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs for coating
  • to taste null salt and pepper for seasoning

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Cook the bacon until crispy, then let it cool and crumble into small bits before mixing.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, chopped jalapenos, crumbled bacon, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well incorporated, creating a sticky, cheesy mixture.
  3. Scoop out about a tablespoon of the mixture, then roll it between your palms to form a compact ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
  4. Roll each cheese ball in panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs.
  5. Place the coated cheese balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart evenly.
  6. Bake the cheese balls in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  7. Remove the cheese balls from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. The exterior should be crunchy with a melty, cheesy interior filled with bits of jalapeno and bacon.