Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon (crumbled)
• 2-3 jalapeños (fresh, finely chopped; adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• Oil (for frying, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mixture:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Form the Balls:
   • Using your hands, scoop out a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is formed into balls (about 12-15 balls).
3. Chill:
   • Place the cheese balls on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
4. Coat with Breadcrumbs:
   • Once chilled, roll each cheese ball in breadcrumbs until fully coated. If you prefer a thicker coating, you can dip the balls in beaten egg before rolling in breadcrumbs.
5. Fry or Bake:
   • To Fry: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the cheese balls in batches, frying until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
   • To Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cheese balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Serve:
   • Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or a spicy dipping sauce.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, consider adding some shredded pepper jack cheese or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
• You can also make these ahead of time and freeze the uncoated balls. Just fry or bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Enjoy your Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls!