¼cupsfinely diced jalapeno(seeds, ribs and stem removed)
¼cupthinly sliced green onions(green part only)
Instructions
Place the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and pepper in a large bowl. Whip to combine until smooth with an electric hand mixer.
Add 3/4ths each of the bacon, cheddar cheese, jalapeño, and green onions and stir in until combined. Place the remaining ingredients in small containers and put back into the fridge until ready to use later to cover the cheeseball).
On a large work surface, lay out 3 large pieces of plastic wrap overlapping each other. Spoon the cheeseball mixture into the center of the plastic wrap.
Start to fold the edges of the plastic wrap up around the mixture, helping to form it into a ball, and seal well.
Place the cheeseball into the fridge for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to set up.
When you are ready to serve, place the remaining bacon, cheese, jalapeño, and scallion onto a large plate and mix together.
Unwrap the cheeseball and place it on the plate, roll it around, so the additional ingredients stick to the outside. You will then have to press them in to stick and try to cover as much of the exposed cheeseball as you can, you will have a little leftover topping but that’s okay.
Serve immediately with crackers or whatever you would like to serve with it.
Video
Notes
Please refer to my FAQ’s and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
It really isn’t that spicy, I think the cream cheese helps to offset the spice. The pith and the ribs of the jalapeño is where the heat is (not the seeds like many people think) so if you want to add more heat, leave some of the pith on.
If making the day before, I would take it out for 30 minutes to an hour so the cheeseball can soften slightly and make it easier to spread.
Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 1 week. Freeze for up to 3 months, but note that the bacon may become soggy.
Don't try to microwave the cheese ball or you'll mess the texture up.