Jalapeño Cheese Ball

Ingredients

• 1 pound bacon, (divided)
• 16 ounces cream cheese, (slightly softened)
• 2 ½ tablespoons sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried dill
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 jalapeños, (seeded and diced, divided)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup diced red onion, (divided)
• ½ cup chopped green onion, (divided)

Steps

1. 1

   Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked and crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels and let cool for 10 minutes. Chop into pieces and set aside.

2. 2

   Mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and kosher salt in a large bowl until just combined. You can use a stand mixer on low with the paddle attachment, an electric mixer on low, or a wooden spoon or spatula.

3. 3

   Stir in half of each of the chopped bacon, diced jalapeños, shredded cheese, red onion, and green onion with a spatula. Store the remaining filling ingredients in the refrigerator.

4. 4

   Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap on a countertop, then add the cream cheese mixture. Bring up the sides of the plastic wrap and use your hands to form it into a ball. Cover and secure it with the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to overnight.

5. 5

   Remove the cheese ball about 10 minutes before serving. Spread the reserved toppings on a cutting board or large plate. Unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the toppings.

6. 6

   Serve with crackers, pita chips, or tortilla chips.