Delicious Jalapeno Popper Bites and Cheese Balls

These jalapeno popper bites and cheese balls by Smokin’ & Grillin with AB are unbelievably delicious! They are both simple to make and can definitely impress a crowd. I am sure this appetizer will be gone in just a few minutes, so make sure to make batches.

Ingredients

Cheese balls:

• 16 oz of cream cheese (softened)
• 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup of minced fresh chives
• 1 cup of jalapeno (seeded and finely diced)
• 6 to 8 slices of bacon (fried and chopped into bites)
• 1/2 cup of sharp cheddar (shredded)
• 1/2 medium red onion (thinly minced)
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

Popper bites:

• 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs
• 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
• 2 to 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• nonstick cooking spray
• 10 oz cream cheese
• 4 strips of bacon (cooked and chopped)
• 4 jalapenos (seeded and diced, plus 24 sliced for topping)

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Instructions

Step 1:

Make the popper bites. In a big bowl, add the shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 2:

Take a mini muffin pan and spray it with cooking oil. Make sure to excess spray. Get from the mixture and form it into a ball. Place on one of the cups, press and make a well in the center. Repeat for the remaining mixture.

Step 3:

In a big bowl, add the cream cheese, diced jalapeno, bacon bites, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Fill each of the cheese balls with the cream mixture.

Step 4:

Place inside the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until browned on the edges.

Step 5:

Make the cheese balls. In a big bowl, add the cream cheese, spices, mayo, jalapeno, cheese, fresh chives, some chopped bacon, and onion. Mix until well combined, then make them into balls. Coat them with the remaining chopped bacon, then place them on a baking sheet. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Step 6:

Serve and enjoy these treats.

Delicious Jalapeno Popper Bites and Cheese Balls