Spicy Bacon Cheese Bites (Print-Friendly Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ Cheese Mix
01 -
8 ounces of softened cream cheese
02 -
1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese
03 -
½ cup of grated cheddar cheese
04 -
2 tablespoons of sour cream
05 -
4 slices of cooked bacon, broken into pieces
06 -
2 jalapeños, chopped finely (remove seeds and membranes)
07 -
2 minced garlic cloves
08 -
½ teaspoon of black pepper
09 -
½ teaspoon of smoked paprika
10 -
¼ teaspoon of salt
→ Crunchy Coating
11 -
½ cup of crushed panko crumbs or Ritz crackers
12 -
½ cup of bacon bits (pre-cooked)
13 -
1 tablespoon of chopped chives
14 -
1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, finely chopped
→ Toppings (Optional)
15 -
Sliced jalapeños
16 -
More parsley or chives, if needed
→ For Dipping
17 -
Crackers, veggie sticks, or tortilla chips
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 -
Put the cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, and cheddar into a big bowl. Mix them up until smooth. Toss in the sour cream, bacon crumbles, jalapeños, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly so everything comes together evenly.
02 -
Take about 1½ tablespoons of the cheese mix and roll it between your palms to make a small ball. Repeat the process until you've got around 16 balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in the fridge for at least an hour so they become firm.
03 -
Get a shallow dish or plate, and mix the bacon bits, crushed panko or crackers, parsley, and chives together. This will be the coating.
04 -
Take the cheese balls out of the fridge. Carefully roll each ball in the coating mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.
05 -
Set the coated balls on a serving tray. Add jalapeño slices or sprinkle some extra parsley and chives over the top for a nice touch. Serve right away with some veggie sticks, tortilla chips, or crackers.