This Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball is perfect for any party! It’s a creamy mix of cream cheese, sour cream, and sharp cheddar with chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick. The outside is coated with cheddar, green onions, and crunchy pecans for extra flavor and texture. Serve it with low-carb dippers like celery or bell peppers for a lighter option, or enjoy with crackers for a classic snack. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Here’s a fun tip for variations:

Try adding extras like roasted garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of flavor! For a little extra heat, swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese. You can easily mix and match to create a cheese ball that fits everyone’s tastes—perfect for any gathering!

Here’s what you need to make this tasty cheese ball:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup fresh jalapeños, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for coating)
1/4 cup chopped pecans (for coating)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for coating)

How to make Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball

Blend Base: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to combine softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and fluffy.
Mix in Flavor: Add garlic powder, jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
Shape the Cheese Ball: Lay two strips of plastic wrap in an ‘X’ shape on a flat surface. Spoon the mixture into the center and twist the wrap to form a ball shape. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Coat the Cheese Ball: Spread chopped jalapeños, green onions, pecans, and shredded cheddar on a flat surface. Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the coating, pressing gently to adhere.
Serve: Place the coated cheese ball on a serving platter. Serve with low-carb dippers like celery or pork rinds, or with crackers for a more indulgent treat.
Enjoy: Delight in the creamy, spicy flavors at your next gathering!

More Appetizers:

Sweet And Salty Harvest Caramel Corn

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving: Best served chilled with a variety of dippers. Low-carb options like celery and bell peppers are great, but crackers and chips are also delicious choices. This cheese ball makes a fantastic addition to any appetizer spread.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The coating may lose some crunch, but the flavors will remain delicious. Refresh the texture with fresh jalapeños, cheese, or pecans before serving again.
Freezing: You can freeze the cheese ball before coating. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then roll in fresh coating ingredients before serving.

Helpful Notes

Customize Heat: For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of jalapeños or remove all the seeds. For extra heat, leave some seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses to create unique flavors. Try a mix of cheddar and pepper jack for an extra spicy kick, or swap out the cheddar for gouda for a creamier, smokier flavor.
Make-Ahead Option: The cheese ball can be made a day in advance and kept chilled until ready to serve, making it a convenient choice for parties.

Enjoy your Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball!