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Bacon Jalapeño Cream Cheese Balls: A Deliciously Spicy Appetizer Recipe

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These Bacon Jalapeño Cream Cheese Balls are a crispy, flavorful appetizer featuring a creamy filling of cheese, savory bacon, and a hint of jalapeño heat. Ideal for parties or game days, they are sure to delight your guests!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. Use a spatula or a hand mixer on low speed to blend the ingredients until smooth and well combined.
  2. Add the finely chopped jalapeños, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the cheese mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Once the mixture has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, take about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat this process until all the mixture is shaped into balls, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. After shaping all the balls, place the baking sheet back in the refrigerator for another 15-20 minutes.
  6. While the balls are chilling, set up a breading station. In one shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour. In a second shallow dish, pour the beaten eggs. In a third shallow dish, add the breadcrumbs.
  7. Take each chilled cream cheese ball and roll it in the flour, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
  8. Next, dip the floured ball into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
  9. Finally, roll the ball in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Place the breaded ball back on the baking sheet. Repeat this process for all the balls.
  10. In a large, deep skillet or a heavy-bottomed pot, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about 1 inch. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  11. Carefully add a few cream cheese balls to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches if necessary. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
  12. Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried balls from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
  13. Serve the bacon jalapeño cream cheese balls warm, garnished with additional chopped green onions or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for added color.
  14. For dipping, consider serving with ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or a tangy barbecue sauce to complement the flavors of the balls.
  15. These cream cheese balls make an excellent appetizer for parties, game days, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with a delicious and flavorful snack.

Notes

  • For a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of jalapeños or remove the seeds.
  • These balls can be made ahead of time and frozen before frying. Just fry them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Find it online: https://anasrecipes.com/bacon-jalapeno-cream-cheese-balls/