This recipe includes Cream cheese is mixed with cheddar cheese, bacon, jalapeños and flavored with herbs and spices, then shaped into a ball, which is rolled in more bacon, more jalapeños and toasted pecans. It’s colorful and fun, and perfect for a party since it can easily be made ahead of time. The jalapeños give it a little kick, but nothing too crazy – I’m a total wimp about spicy food and I loved it. Though it’s probably not typical bridal shower food, I predict it would be a definite crowd-pleaser!
By Tracey
Bacon-Jalapeño Cheese Ball
barely adapted from Homesick Texan
Ingredients:
- 6 slices bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 jalapeños (ribs and seeds removed), finely chopped and divided
- crackers (for serving)
Directions:
Cook the bacon in a large skillet set over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Allow to cool slightly, then crumble and divide in half.
While the bacon is cooking, preheat oven to 350 F. Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
In a medium bowl, stir together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, parsley, garlic, cumin, cayenne, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, half of the minced jalapeños, and half of the crumbled bacon until well combined. Season the mixture to taste with salt.
On a large plate, stir the toasted pecans, remaining minced jalapeños and remaining half of the crumbled bacon together until evenly distributed. Shape the cream cheese mixture into a ball (the mixture will be sticky, I found it easiest to shape if I just barely wet my hands first). Roll the ball in the pecan mixture until coated on all sides.
Cover the ball and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
