Cheddar, Turkey Bacon, and Jalapeño Cheese Ball Recipe with Homemade Rosemary Crackers

Makes the perfect appetizer to bring to a backyard party this summer 

Who doesn’t love cheese? I remember my mom would always have a store-bought cheese ball and vegetable thin crackers when hosting. My sister and I are always thinking of new recipe ideas and thought let’s try to make our own! This cheddar, turkey bacon, and jalapeño cheese ball recipe is the perfect appetizer to bring to all your summer festivities. It is packed with flavour but simple to whip up quickly. The homemade rosemary crackers are a MUST too. Enjoy! 

Serves: 4

What You Need

Cheddar, Turkey Bacon, Jalapeño Cheese Ball Ingredients

• 1 package light cream cheese (250 g), softened
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
• 2 slices turkey bacon, finely chopped
• 1 tsp butter
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1/3 cup old cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp Italian breadcrumbs
• 2 large spinach tortillas
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 sprig of rosemary, roughly chopped
• ½ tsp sea salt  

How To Make the Cheese Ball Recipe:

1. In a medium size saucepan over medium heat, add 1 tsp butter until melted. Once sizzling, add the turkey bacon. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the turkey bacon bits are crispy. During the last 2 minutes, add the jalapeño. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, add cream cheese, turkey bacon, jalapeño, cheese, and garlic salt. Stir until well combined. 
3. Place a square of parchment paper on a flat surface. Pack cheese mixture into a small glass bowl to get a round shape. Remove with a spatula onto the parchment paper and use a knife to smooth out the ball. 
4. Pour both breadcrumbs over the ball and pack with both hands until the ball is fully covered. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes or 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 350.
5. Meanwhile, make your rosemary crackers by cutting 2 large tortillas into a cracker shape using a pizza cutter. On a large baking sheet, drizzle ~1 tbsp of olive on the bottom of the pan. Add the crackers evenly, season with sea salt and rosemary. Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until golden and crispy (watch closely as they can burn easily). Remove and let cool for 10 minutes. Serve with the cheese ball or store in an airtight container until ready to eat. Enjoy!

We hope you enjoy this cheddar, turkey bacon, and jalapeño cheese ball recipe! Please let us know in the comments below if you give this recipe a try.  

Nutrients per serving:

249 Calories 
7.2 g Carbohydrates 
11.6 g Protein 
17.4 g Fat 
0.3 g Dietary Fibre 

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