Description
These spicy bacon jalapeño popper cheese balls are a flavorful and irresistible snack perfect for parties or anytime you crave a cheesy, spicy treat. Combining sharp cheddar, cream cheese, jalapeños, and crispy bacon, these bite-sized balls are fried to golden perfection and served with a crunchy panko coating.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 113g cream cheese, softened
- 120g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 jalapeños, finely diced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Breading
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
For Frying
- 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Add the finely diced jalapeños, crumbled cooked bacon, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Form the Balls: Using a spoon or your hands, scoop out small portions of the cheese mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined tray or plate.
- Coat the Cheese Balls: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Roll each cheese ball first in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs. Ensure each ball is evenly coated for a crispy crust.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat 2 cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy to prevent burning or undercooking.
- Fry the Cheese Balls: Fry the cheese balls in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pan, for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to turn them gently and remove them once cooked.
- Drain and Serve: Place the fried cheese balls on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth from the hot cheese inside.
Notes
- For less heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before dicing.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to make mixing easier.
- You can substitute bacon with turkey bacon or omit it to make the recipe vegetarian.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for added flavor.
- Maintain the oil temperature around 350°F to prevent the cheese balls from absorbing too much oil or bursting.
Keywords: jalapeño popper cheese balls, spicy cheese bites, bacon cheese balls, fried appetizers, party snacks