“Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Ball”

No matter what you mix with cream cheese, it’s always good. I made a Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Ball over Super Bowl weekend and we had a surprise baby shower for a friend at work. I normally bake for everyone at work but I wanted to do something different. Made with cream, bacon, jalapenos, cheddar cheese, spices and rolled in pecans, this savory, slightly spicy ball of creamy goodness will definitely have you going back for seconds and thirds. Try this Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Ball the next time you need a quick appetizer for a party or an indulgent snack for yourself. Share your recipes featuring cream cheese.

Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Ball

2 – 8oz. pkgs. Cream cheese, softened

3 jalapenos, seeded, and finely chopped, divided

8 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped, divided

1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

¼ cup green onion, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

1 t. seasoned salt

1 t. Worcestershire sauce

¼ t. ground cumin

½ cup pecans or almonds, coarsely chopped

In a medium-sized bowl, mix together cream cheese, half of the jalapenos, cheddar cheese, half of the bacon, green onions, garlic clove, seasoned salt, Worcestershire sauce, and ground cumin until well combined.

In a small bowl, combine other half of jalapenos, other half bacon, and pecans. Pour on a large plate; place cheese ball mixture on top jalapeno, bacon and pecan mixture. Press jalapeno mixture into cheese ball mixture, roll to form a ball, ensuring ball is coated completely.

Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least one hour. Serve with your favorite crackers.

Note: I used Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon; saved on prep time. This cheese ball is not spicy; seeds from jalapenos have been removed. Leave seeds in for more heat.