Description
This Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball combines the creamy richness of cream cheese and sharp cheddar with the spicy kick of jalapeños, all encased in a crunchy coating of pecans and green onions. It’s the perfect appetizer for any gathering, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cheese Ball:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large jalapeños, seeds and stems removed, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Coating:
- 1 jalapeño, seeds and stems removed, finely chopped
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
- ⅓ cup pecans, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Ball Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to blend the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the garlic powder, finely chopped jalapeños, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Shape the Cheese Ball:
- Lay two long strips of plastic wrap on a flat surface in an ‘X’ shape.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the center of the plastic wrap.
- Bring up the edges of the plastic wrap, closing it around the cream cheese mixture, and twist the top to form a ball shape. Use your hands to tighten and mold the ball as needed.
- Transfer the wrapped cheese ball to the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour to firm up.
- Prepare the Coating:
- While the cheese ball is chilling, prepare the coating. In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped jalapeño, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and finely chopped pecans.
- Spread the coating ingredients evenly on a flat surface.
- Coat the Cheese Ball:
- Once the cheese ball has chilled and firmed up, remove it from the plastic wrap.
- Gently roll the cheese ball in the coating mixture, pressing the coating into any exposed areas to ensure it sticks.
- Serve:
- Transfer the coated cheese ball to a serving platter.
- Serve with your choice of low-carb dippers such as celery sticks, bell pepper slices, or pork rinds.
Notes
- Adjusting Spice Level: For a milder flavor, use only one jalapeño in the cheese ball mixture and omit the jalapeño in the coating. For extra heat, increase the amount of jalapeño in both the mixture and the coating.
- Make Ahead: This cheese ball can be prepared up to two days in advance. After shaping, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Alternative Coatings: If you prefer, you can substitute the pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds, or even use crispy bacon bits for added flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: This cheese ball pairs well with a variety of dippers, including sliced baguette, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetable sticks.
- Dietary Considerations: For a gluten-free option, ensure that all ingredients, especially the sour cream and seasonings, are certified gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the cheese ball
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 7mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 180mg