Description
Spicy and creamy cheesy jalapeno popper balls bring explosive flavor straight from appetizer heaven. Crispy golden breading hides molten cheese and zesty pepper core, promising irresistible bites that spark party excitement for hungry guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 4 strips (1/2 cup) crumbled bacon
- 4–6 fresh jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
Binding Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Coating Ingredients:
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Create a creamy filling by thoroughly blending softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon fragments, finely diced jalapenos, and fresh green onions in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Craft uniform spheres approximately one inch in diameter using hands or a compact cookie scoop, positioning each carefully on a clean baking sheet.
- Establish a three-stage coating preparation: distribute flour, whisked eggs, and crunchy panko breadcrumbs into separate shallow containers.
- Transform each cheese sphere through a meticulous coating process: first roll in flour for initial coverage, submerge completely in beaten eggs, then generously encase with panko for ultimate crispiness.
- Prepare cooking oil in a deep skillet or fryer, heating to precise 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying performance.
- Carefully submerge cheese spheres in hot oil, frying in controlled batches until achieving a gorgeous golden-brown exterior and maintaining internal creaminess, approximately 3-4 minutes per batch.
- Extract fried spheres using a perforated spoon, allowing excess oil to drain thoroughly on absorbent paper towels.
- Present immediately while piping hot, accompanied by complementary dipping sauces that enhance the appetizer’s zesty flavor profile.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by removing jalapeno seeds for milder taste or adding extra chopped peppers for more spice.
- Prep balls ahead of time and refrigerate for 30 minutes before breading to help them hold shape better during frying.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a celiac-friendly version without compromising crispy texture.
- Bake cheese balls at 400F for 15-20 minutes as a healthier alternative to deep-frying, ensuring they’re lightly sprayed with cooking oil for golden crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 46
- Calories: 121
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 174 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0.6 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 37 mg