Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball

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Rediscover the flavors you love from a jalapeno popper in the form of a crowd pleasing cheese ball.

I haven’t always loved jalapenos. As usual for many kids, I wasn’t into spicy things growing up and jalapenos were definitely on that list. I went years without trying them again even into adulthood when I started to appreciate a little heat. About a decade ago I was finally presented with an occasion at which to try them in the form of bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers at a football watching party and was immediately sold. I mean, they’re not even that spicy when you remove the seeds, stuff them with cheese, and wrap them in bacon.

Since then I always associate jalapeno poppers with football season. Yes I realize it’s July and I just dropped the F word but I’m talking about jalapeno poppers and as I said that’s where my mind goes. And in true blogger form I’ve decided to run with that train of thought to rediscover the flavors in something new with the help of LA MORENA®. Because you can enjoy this recipe all summer long and then before you know it, it’ll be game day.

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I have to admit, before buying the ingredients for this recipe at Giant Eagle I had never tried any LA MORENA® products. Evidently they have been around for years providing great flavor and quality that I’ve clearly been missing out on. For example, I bought the sliced pickled jalapenos and at first was surprised to see sliced carrots on top when I cracked open the can. However, my pickle-loving boyfriend informed me that this is a classic trait of authentic pickled jalapenos. Learned something new!

While a cheese ball may not be something new (heck I just posted another cheese ball recipe last week), it certainly is a new way to present jalapeno poppers to a crowd and sharing new recipes with friends and family is definitely one of my favorite things to do. So whether you are gearing up for tailgating season or just having some friends over for a game night, this cheese ball rendition of jalapeno poppers is a must. It’s covered in bacon for crying out loud!

As an added bonus, other than cooking the bacon and toasting the bread crumbs this is a no-cook recipe! With the summer heat that’s super helpful. What type of recipes do you enjoy cooking during the summer? What would you use LA MORENA® on? Check out more flavors and recipes HERE.

Stay tuned! Keep your eye on Instagram to see where LA MORENA® is taking me this summer!

Four years ago: Mini Cherry-Lime Greek Yogurt Cheesecakes

Five years ago: Nutella Swirled Banana Bread Snack Cake

Six years ago: Pepperoni Pizza Deviled Eggs

JALAPENO POPPER CHEESE BALL

Makes 1 cheese ball

Ingredients:

CHEESE BALL

1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature

8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature

4 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/4 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 cup LA MORENA® Sliced Jalapeños (from a 28oz. can), chopped

COATING

4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

1/4 cup toasted Panko bread crumbs

Directions:

1. Stir together butter, cheeses, and seasonings until well blended. Fold in the jalapeno. Press into a 2-cup mold or bowl lined with plastic wrap (I used a cereal bowl).  Chill at least 8 hours or overnight (you must do this or it will have no flavor).
2. When ready yo serve, in a medium bowl combine the crumbled bacon and bread crumbs. Invert cheese into the bowl and press mixture onto the top and sides of the cheese ball.  Serve with crackers or pretzels.

Source: Adapted from my Blue Cheese Ball.