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Home » Fire Roasted Jalapeño Cheese Ball

Fire Roasted Jalapeño Cheese Ball

7 · Jan 3, 2019 · 32 Comments

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This jalapeño Cheese Ball recipe is a perfect appetizer for any occasion.  It is made with extra sharp cheddar cheese and has a subtle spiciness from the fire roasted jalapeños.

Note: This post was updated with new content on January 3, 2019.

 a square pretzel tucked into a Fire Roasted Jalapeno Cheese Ball surrounded by pretzels

When I think of tailgating and game day party foods, cheese balls always come to mind.  It is easy to give them almost any flavor profile, and they are always a huge hit. This jalapeño cheese ball recipe is no exception.  It blends smooth cream cheese with extra sharp white cheddar for a fun flavor combo. Plus, the heat is mild, so even the least spice-tolerant guest will enjoy it.  (Or you can up the spice with a simple addition.)

How To Make This Cheese Ball Recipe Ahead

Cheese balls are extremely easy to make ahead.  In fact, I recommend it with this cheese ball recipe because it gives the flavors time to marry.  

You can prevent the tortilla chips from getting soggy by waiting to coat it until right before serving.  Once you’re ready to serve it, pull it out of the fridge and uncover it. Let it sit for 20 minutes at room temperature and then roll it in the tortilla chips.

If you just want to avoid the tortilla chips all together, you can roll it in chopped green onions instead.

Tips For How To Make This Cheese Ball Recipe

These tips will help to improve on the classic cheese ball recipe.

  • How To Fire Roast jalapeños. (coming soon)
  • How To Buy and Store Fresh Herbs.  Make sure that the cilantro stays fresh and know what to look for at the store for the best possible herbs.
  • Broiling 101.  If you don’t have a gas cooktop, you’ll use your broiler to roast your jalapeños.

A gif of a bit of jalapeno cheese ball being dipped out with a square pretzel

When To Serve This Cheese Ball Recipe

The mildly spicy flavor profile of this cheese ball recipe makes it an instant success on game day.  However, it doesn’t stop there. You can make this jalapeño cheese ball recipe for:

  • Bachelorette Parties
  • Baby Showers
  • Halloween
  • New Year’s Eve and more…

While not your typical holiday appetizer, this jalapeño cheese ball brings a nice alternative flavor to the table.  For a slightly sweeter cheese ball, add ½ cup of crushed pineapple.

How To Store Cheese Ball Leftovers

This jalapeño cheese ball recipe will stay good in the fridge for 3-5 days. The longer the jalapeño cheese ball is in the fridge, the soggier the tortilla chip coating gets.  Make sure to wrap it in multiple layers of plastic wrap to ensure freshness.

What To Serve With This Jalapeño Cheese Ball Recipe

Despite being rolled in the tortilla chips, this cheese ball can be served with lots of different options.  Some of my favorites include:

  • Pretzels
  • Apple Slices
  • Crostini
  • Crudité
  • Roasted Potatoes
  • Crackers
  • Grilled Pineapple slices

Of course, more tortilla chips won’t hurt either.  Use the tricolored ones for an extra beautiful presentation.  

closeup of the inside of the Fire Roasted Jalapeno Cheese Ball

Fire Roasted Jalapeño Cheese Ball Recipe

The dairy in this cheese ball really tempers the spiciness of the jalapeños.  Additionally, fire roasting cuts down the heat as well. If you would like this jalapeño cheese ball recipe to be spicier, simply add a few more jalapeños.  With the five that the recipe calls for, I would classify the heat for this as a light-medium.

If you don’t have a gas cooktop to fire roast the jalapeños, you can achieve the same results using the broiler.  Place a rack in the upper third of your oven and turn on the broiler. Put the jalapeños on an aluminum foil lined sheet pan and broil for ten minutes (or until blackened). Flip and repeat until most of the pepper is black.


Want a free printable grocery list for this jalapeño cheese ball recipe? Get it HERE.


Use this grocery list to help simplify shopping.  Everything is listed in standard grocery store amounts.  If no size is specified, even the smallest package will provide more than enough.

Want to try more delicious tailgating or party appetizers? Check these out:

  • Crab and Artichoke Stuffed Zucchini
  • Chicken, Bacon, Spinach, and Artichoke Stuffed Mini Hand Pies
  • Pesto Chicken Parmesan Sliders
  • Hot Caramelized Onion Dip with Brie

Happy Cooking! 🙂

hands dipping a pretzel into a Fire Roasted Jalapeno Cheese Ball

Fire Roasted Jalapeño Cheese Ball

With delicious extra sharp white cheddar and a smoky flavor from the jalapeños, this fire roasted jalapeño cheese ball is a perfect appetizer for game day.  Serve it with pretzels, crackers, chips, or fresh veggies for a sure-fire hit!
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
24 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
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Ingredients

  • 16 ounces cream cheese, , softened (two boxes)
  • 8 ounces extra sharp white cheddar cheese, , shredded
  • 5 jalapenos
  • 1/4 cup loosely packed cilantro, chopped
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

  • Turn the burner of a gas cooktop on high. Place the jalapeños over the flame and roast until blackened, turning as needed to cover all sides. Transfer the jalapeños to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Repeat until each jalapeño is roasted.
  • Once the jalapeños have cooled, run them under cold running water and rub away the blackened skin. Blot them dry and mince them into small pieces. You can remove the seeds and veins if you want, but it’s not necessary. Set them aside. 
  • In the bowl of a electric mixer, use the paddle attachment to lightly whip the cream cheese. Add in the white cheddar cheese, jalapeños, and cilantro. Stir until combined.  
  • Season with salt and pepper and roll the mixture into a ball. Let it chill for 15 minutes, coat it in the crushed tortilla chips and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 115kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 129mg | Potassium: 47mg | Vitamin A: 7.8% | Vitamin C: 4.2% | Calcium: 9.1% | Iron: 1.1%
Tell me how much you love this recipeand join fellow foodie friends @foodabovegold
Nutrition Facts
Fire Roasted Jalapeño Cheese Ball
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 115 Calories from Fat 90
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 10g 15%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 30mg 10%
Sodium 129mg 5%
Potassium 47mg 1%
Total Carbohydrates 2g 1%
Protein 3g 6%
Vitamin A 7.8%
Vitamin C 4.2%
Calcium 9.1%
Iron 1.1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Appetizers, Game Day Deliciousness, Recipe for Practical Application

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Veena Azmanov says

    February 1, 2018 at 4:02 pm


    A cheese ball is my weakness – I have been known to over eat. Love that you used roasted jelapeno!! This would be a perfect game day snack.

    Reply
    • Mackenzie Ryan says

      November 20, 2018 at 3:33 pm

      I’m totally a cheese ball overeater also! And with the slightly spicy kick of this one, I could easily eat the whole thing!

      Reply
  2. Becky Tarala says

    February 2, 2018 at 11:41 am

    Sharp white cheddar is my favorite! I can’t wait to try this at my next party!!! I love that you can make it ahead of time.

    Reply
    • Mackenzie Ryan says

      November 30, 2018 at 8:51 pm

      I could eat ALL the sharp white cheddar! I hope you and your guests love this recipe!

      Reply
  3. lauren says

    February 3, 2018 at 10:58 pm

    I love love jalapeños and cheese! This is a great appetizer option, especially for the Super Bowl this weekend. The pretzels for the dipping are such a creative idea.

    Reply
    • Mackenzie Ryan says

      November 20, 2018 at 3:34 pm

      Thank you, Lauren. I feel like the pretzels provide a nice change up from the traditional cheese ball options.

      Reply
  4. Jennifer says

    February 4, 2018 at 11:24 am


    This looks delicious! My Aunt is all about bringing cheese balls to social gatherings, forwarding to her.

    Reply
    • Mackenzie Ryan says

      November 30, 2018 at 8:52 pm

      I hope she loves it, Jennifer! It’s such a nice alternative to the typical cheese balls.

      Reply
  5. Sara says

    February 4, 2018 at 9:48 pm


    This looks incredibly tasty! I can’t wait to try your recipe! I love jalapenos and cheese ball!

    Reply
    • Mackenzie Ryan says

      November 19, 2018 at 6:15 pm

      They are such a fantastic combo! And I love the smoky flavor from the fire roasting!

      Reply
  6. Sues says

    February 4, 2018 at 7:45 pm


    I love cheeseballs and this one sounds way better than average. Fire roasted jalapeno sounds amazing!

    Reply
    • Mackenzie Ryan says

      November 30, 2018 at 8:54 pm

      It’s such a nice flavor to add to it. It’s like a jalapeno popper, but with a little added smokiness.

      Reply
  7. Shannon says

    February 4, 2018 at 11:34 pm

    Jalapeños with cheese are definitely a winning combo!

    Reply
    • Mackenzie Ryan says

      November 19, 2018 at 6:14 pm

      I agree! You can’t go wrong with them!

      Reply
  8. Maryea | Happy Healthy Mama says

    February 5, 2018 at 6:50 am


    Wow I’ve never roasted jalapeños before! Now I really want to try this. Looks like a fantastic recipe to serve a crowd.

    Reply
    • Mackenzie Ryan says

      November 19, 2018 at 6:15 pm

      Once you fire roast jalapenos, you’ll never go back! It’s such a delicious way to enjoy them!

      Reply
  9. Amelie says

    February 5, 2018 at 8:00 am


    Such a nice idea! I love this and I’m sure it tastes amazing. And it looks great too. Will definitely make this for our next dinner party!

    Reply
    • Mackenzie Ryan says

      November 30, 2018 at 8:55 pm

      I hope you love it, Amelie. It’s always a hit anywhere I take it!

      Reply
  10. prasanna hede says

    February 5, 2018 at 9:18 am

    Jalapeno adds so much intense flavors to dishes this must be so delicious!

    Reply
    • Mackenzie Ryan says

      November 30, 2018 at 8:56 pm

      I love how such a small ingredient can contribute so very much to a dish!

      Reply
  11. Jenna says

    February 5, 2018 at 10:30 pm

    Ohhhhh yes. This looks so delicious. Pinned to try this weekend.

    Reply
    • Mackenzie Ryan says

      November 30, 2018 at 8:56 pm

      I hope you love it, Jenna!

      Reply
  12. Kristina says

    February 6, 2018 at 1:57 am


    This looks delicious and perfect for game day!

    Reply
    • Mackenzie Ryan says

      November 30, 2018 at 8:57 pm

      It’s perfect for game day. And not too spicy, so if someone accidentally tries it, they won’t start breathing fire.

      Reply
  13. georgie says

    January 4, 2019 at 9:47 am


    this looks like such a great appetizer! I love anything cheese so I would jump right in!

    Reply
    • Mackenzie Ryan says

      January 8, 2019 at 8:21 am

      Yaaasss!!! I’m totally on team cheese, as well. The more the better!

      Reply
  14. Cassie says

    January 4, 2019 at 1:30 pm

    I haven’t had a cheese ball in years and I really love the sound of this with a little heat to it! Perfect for game day

    Reply
    • Mackenzie Ryan says

      January 8, 2019 at 8:21 am

      I totally agree! Cheese balls are one of those things that I love to have, but rarely think to make myself. This is my new favorite, for sure.

      Reply
  15. Wendy says

    January 5, 2019 at 10:43 am


    I love what the roasting does for the peppers! Great for game day!

    Reply
    • Mackenzie Ryan says

      January 8, 2019 at 8:20 am

      Yes! It adds such a nice smoky flavor and sweetens the jalapeños so nicely!

      Reply
  16. Jenni says

    January 6, 2019 at 11:17 am


    What a fun recipe! I love a good cheese ball! This would be so perfect to serve on game day!

    Reply
    • Mackenzie Ryan says

      January 6, 2019 at 2:39 pm

      I love it for game day. Plus, since the spice level is easily adjusted, it’s a cheese ball everyone can enjoy!

      Reply

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  • If you are still on the fence about what to make for the big game tomorrow, this recipe for fire-roasted jalapeno cheese ball has been ON FIRE for the last three days and is currently my number recipe on the site!  Even with the fire-roasting, it only takes 30 minutes to make and has a spice level (almost) everyone can tolerate.  It's pretty much a giant jalapeno popper and you can use pretzels, chips, veggies and so much more for dipping.  Get the recipe through the link in profile @foodabovegold or https://www.foodabovegold.com/fire-roasted-jalapeno-cheese-ball/
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1 cup of blueberries
3-4 limes, sliced
40 fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup simple syrup
18 oz. Bacardi Superior Rum (1.5 ounces per drink)
3 liters of soda water
iceInstructions:
In the bottom of a large measuring cup, muddle together the fresh blueberries and lime slices until mashed and juicy.  Place the lime leaves in your hands and clap 5-10 times to lightly bruise the mint leaves and release their flavor.  Stir in the simple syrup and Bacardi Superior rum and stir.  Add in the soda water and serve over ice.
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