Description
These bacon cheese balls with jalapeño are a keto-friendly snack featuring crispy bacon, melty sharp cheddar, and a spicy kick of jalapeño. Perfect for quick appetizers, game days, or parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (~200g)
- 4 oz (115g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 medium jalapeño, finely chopped (seeds removed for milder heat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay bacon slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet without overlapping. Bake for 12-15 minutes until crispy but not burnt. Remove and drain on paper towels. Once cool, chop into small pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly mixed and creamy.
- Fold in finely chopped jalapeño and chopped bacon pieces. Mix gently to distribute evenly without smashing the bacon.
- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, scoop about 1.5 tablespoons (~25g) of the mixture. Roll gently between palms to form smooth balls. If mixture is too soft, chill for 15 minutes before rolling.
- Place cheese balls on a parchment-lined plate or tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture and flavor. Chilling the mixture before and after forming the balls helps them hold together. Bacon can be baked in the oven for less mess. These cheese balls are best served cold or at room temperature; warming slightly is possible but avoid heating too much to keep creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese ball (~25g)
- Calories: 85
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Fiber: 0.2
- Protein: 5
Keywords: bacon cheese balls, jalapeño, keto snack, low carb appetizer, party snack, easy keto recipe