Jalapeno Bacon Swiss Cheese Ball

Jalapeno Bacon Swiss Cheese Ball is loaded inside and out with chopped bacon, fresh jalapeno, and shredded cheese.  This cheesy ball of awesomeness is the perfect appetizer for parties, holidays, football, and potlucks!

Jalapeno Bacon Swiss Cheese Ball sitting on a white plate with crackers on it.

Bacon.  Cheese.  Jalapenos.  Let me introduce you to Jalapeno Bacon Swiss Cheese Ball, an appetizer that is made with three of my favorite things.  

I love cheese, so naturally, I’m a fan of cheese balls. 

What goes great with cheese?  Bacon!  What goes great with bacon?  Jalapenos! 

This amazing cheese ball is kind of like a deconstructed jalapeno popper.  Each bite is loaded with the perfect amount of each ingredient!

I know it’s customary to have chopped nuts on the exterior of a cheese ball, and although I do like nuts, I don’t like them on or in my cheese ball. 

To me, nuts are for snacking, muffins, banana bread, etc.  They don’t go in my chicken salad either, but I digress.

Ingredients needed for this recipe (scroll down for complete recipe):

  • Cream cheese
  • Swiss cheese
  • Jalapenos
  • Bacon
  • Parmesan
  • Chives
  • Garlic powder
  • Smoked paprika, pepper

How to make this recipe:

  1. Just combine some crisp bacon with minced jalapenos, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, chives, and a little smoked paprika. 
  2. Form it into a big ball and then roll it around in a delicious coating of shredded parmesan, bacon, and minced jalapenos.  This thing is exploding with flavor, literally, from the inside out. (full recipe card below)

How to serve this jalapeno bacon cheese ball

  • Serve with strong, hearty crackers for dipping
  • Serve with a cheese knife and spread the cheese ball on some crackers
  • If for some reason you have any of this jalapeno popper cheese ball leftover, spread it on a tortilla, add some turkey and spinach and roll it up for a tasty lunch.

The great thing about this cheese ball is that you can totally make it your own. 

Add more ingredients, leave some out, swap Swiss cheese for sharp cheddar or pepper jack – you can’t ruin a cheese ball. 

You might be thinking, “Wow, that’s a lot of jalapeno”, but this is not very spicy since you remove the seeds and ribs inside.  You just get the wonderful flavor of jalapeno with just a touch of heat.

Fan of cheese balls?  I also have a Jalapeno Cheddar Taco Cheese Ball, a spicy Ghost Pepper Cheese Ball, and for dessert, a Lemon Cheesecake Cheese Ball!

Looking for more appetizer recipes? Here are some favorites:

A blue platter filled with Marinated Cheese & Olive Antipasto

How to store the cheese ball

Keep cheese ball in an air-tight container or wrapped securely in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

NOTES:

  • Make sure the cream cheese is room temperature so you can easily combine the ingredients.
  • If you’re not a fan of Swiss cheese, feel free to swap it out for another!

 

Jalapeno Bacon Swiss Cheese Ball

Jalapeno Bacon Swiss Cheese Ball

Flavorful Eats
Jalapeno Bacon Swiss Cheese Ball is loaded inside and out with chopped bacon, fresh jalapeno, and shredded cheese.  This cheesy ball of awesomeness is the perfect appetizer for parties, football, and potlucks!
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Refrigerate 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 7 slices center-cut bacon cooked until crispy, divided
  • 8 oz. cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup minced jalapeno divided (save half for coating)
  • 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1 1/2 tbsp sliced chives
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp. smoked paprika
  • couple grinds of black pepper
  • 3 tbsp shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • To make the ball: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, Swiss cheese, chives, garlic powder, smoked paprika, 4 tbsp. of the jalapeno, and some pepper.
  • Take 4 slices of the cooked bacon and crumble it into the cheese ball mixture. Mash with a fork to really get it combined, then roll into a ball. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, make the coating. In a shallow dish, crumble the last 3 slices of bacon and combine it with the other 4 tbsp. of jalapeno and shredded parmesan. Stir to combine. Roll cheese ball in coating, pressing it on the outside to fully cover the exterior. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Keyword Bacon, Cheese, Cream Cheese, Jalapeno
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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