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Ingredients for Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls including cream cheese, shredded cheddar, diced fresh jalapeños, and crispy bacon crumbles.

Ultimate Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls

Crispy, golden-brown fried cheese balls featuring a gooey melted cheddar and cream cheese center, loaded with green jalapeño bits and crispy bacon pieces.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Bacon Jalapeño Popper Cheese Balls
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
  • 4 whole fresh jalapeños seeded and finely diced
  • 6 slices bacon cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
  • 4 cups vegetable oil for frying

Equipment

  • 1 Dutch Oven or Deep Fryer Essential for maintaining consistent oil temperature while frying.
  • 1 Deep-Fry Thermometer Crucial to monitor the 350°F (175°C) frying temperature.
  • 1 Medium Cookie Scoop Ensures uniform sizing for even cooking.

Method
 

Preparation and Frying
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, freshly shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, crumbled bacon, and garlic powder until evenly distributed.
  2. Using a cookie scoop, portion the mixture into 1.5-inch spheres and roll them smooth. Place on a parchment-lined sheet and freeze for 20 minutes.
  3. Set up three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with Panko breadcrumbs.
  4. Roll each chilled cheese ball in flour, submerge in the egg wash, and press firmly into the Panko breadcrumbs to coat completely.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven to exactly 350°F (175°C). Fry the breaded balls in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes until deep golden-brown.
  6. Transfer the fried cheese balls to a wire cooling rack. Immediately sprinkle with extra crispy bacon pieces and finely chopped chives.

Notes

Grate your own cheddar cheese for the best melting texture.
Do not skip the freezing step, or the cheese will melt and leak into the hot oil.
Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4 to 5 minutes to keep them crispy.