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:
- 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.
- 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).
- Chill:
- Place the cheese balls on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!