By: Co+op

Recipe Information

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 15 (makes 15 bites)

Kick up your next gathering a notch with these spicy cheese balls.

Ingredients

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• Pinch of salt
• 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons seeded and minced jalapeño pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon minced cilantro
• 1/2 cup finely-crushed corn tortilla chips

Preparation

In a food processor, blend the cream cheese, garlic and salt until smooth. Transfer cream cheese mixture to a bowl and stir in the cheddar cheese, jalapeño, cumin, paprika and cilantro until evenly distributed. Line a plate or pan with parchment paper. Roll the cheese mixture into 1-inch balls and set on the parchment paper. Then, roll each ball in the crushed tortilla chips and return to plate or pan. Place the cheese balls in the refrigerator to firm. Serve with tortilla chips or crostini.

Serving Suggestion

These fun little bites are perfect for entertaining. Make cheese lollipops using thin pretzel sticks or serve cheese balls with tortilla chips or crostini. Earn extra points by shaping them into little footballs for game day! Don’t miss these delicious variations: Cranberry Blue Cheese Bites and Savory Herb Cheese Bites.

Nutritional Information

91 calories, 8 g. fat, 20 mg. cholesterol, 116 mg. sodium, 3 g. carbohydrate, 0 g. fiber, 3 g. protein

Source: https://www.grocery.coop/recipes/jalapeno-cheddar-cheese-bites