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–+ servings
Ella Cooks

No-Bake Jalapeño Popper Cheeseball Log Recipe

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If you want a party snack that looks like you tried really hard (but secretly took hardly any effort), this no-bake jalapeño popper cheeseball log is it. I love serving it “roll and slice” style because it feels a bit fancy on a board, and the crunchy coating is so pretty people genuinely hover around it with a cracker in hand.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Appetizer
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced jalapeños fresh or pickled
  • 1/4 cup chopped scallions
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup crumbled bacon optional
  • Bacon is optional but highly recommended if you want that full jalapeño popper flavour people expect.
For The Coating
  • 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
  • 1 cup crispy fried onions
  • 1/2 cup extra crumbled bacon
  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives

Equipment

  • Serving board or platter
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula or sturdy spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Plastic wrap
  • Shallow dish or plate (for the coating)
  • Knife (for slicing)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, cheddar, jalapeños, scallions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and bacon until fully combined.
  2. Spoon the mixture onto plastic wrap and shape into a log. Wrap tightly and chill for 30 minutes until firm.
  3. Mix the crushed Ritz crackers, fried onions, bacon, and chives on a plate.
  4. Unwrap the chilled log and roll it in the coating, pressing gently so it sticks.
  5. Chill again for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
  6. Slice into rounds and serve with crackers, celery, or pretzel crisps.

Nutrition

Calories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 5gFat: 12g

Notes

Quick FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?   
Yes, it’s perfect for making a day ahead. Just wrap tightly and add the coating a few hours before serving for maximum crunch.
Is it very spicy?   
It has a gentle kick. For less heat, remove jalapeño seeds or use fewer. For more heat, add extra or mix in a pinch of cayenne.
Can I skip the bacon?   
Absolutely. It’s still creamy and flavourful without it, especially if you lean into the smoky paprika.
What’s the best way to serve it cleanly?   
Use a sharp knife and wipe between slices for neat, photo-ready rounds.

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