Cheese lovers, get ready! We're introducing our homemade Pepper Jack Cheese Balls. Boasting three different kinds of cheese, this recipe is the ultimate treat for those with a penchant for cheesy delights. Excited for this cheesy extravaganza? Let's jump right into the recipe!
This pepper jack cheese ball recipe is sponsored by our friends at Moon Cheese. Thank you for supporting the brands that make CIK recipes EPIC.
Preparation and cooking overview
Making the pepper jack cheese ball recipe is a walk in the park! In just about 75 minutes, you'll be enjoying this cheesy masterpiece. Start by grilling the green onions. Next, stir these finely chopped, charred onions into a creamy mix of pepper jack, cheddar, cream cheese, zesty jalapeño, and a hint of salt. Form this delicious mixture into a ball with your hands and let it chill. Roll your cheese ball in crushed moon cheese for that extra cheesy crunch when it's cooled down. Voila, your pepper jack cheese balls are ready!
Chef's note
When it comes to making a cheese ball, there are no strict rules to follow. Feel free to experiment with various toppings and mix-ins. Add a delightful crunch with crushed nuts and crispy bacon bits to the cheese mixture or give it a spicy kick by adding some diced pickled jalapeños. Sprinkle your favorite herbs and spices for a herby and spicy kick. The choice is yours!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Recipe makes 18 servings
🧀 Ingredients for this pepper jack cheese ball recipe
Here's a list of ingredients you need to make these low-carb cheese balls:
- 5 green onions
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil
- 1 ½ cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 16 ounces of cream cheese
- 1 jalapeño minced
- ½ teaspoon seasoning salt
- one 2-ounce bag of pepper jack moon cheese crushed
- Crackers or vegetables to serve
Ingredient substitutions
Do you see something on the ingredients list that you'd rather skip? No worries! Here are a few keto-friendly substitutions:
- Moon cheese: We are using pepper jacked moon cheese sponsored by Moon Cheese, but you can use any other brand if this is unavailable.
- Jalapeño: Replace jalapenos with a mild pepper like poblano or Anaheim pepper.
- Green onions: If you don't have green onions, use chives, leeks, shallots, cilantro, or parsley.
Additional ingredients
Add any of the following optional ingredients to elevate the taste of this dish:
- Crushed nuts: Crushed nuts such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts will give your cheeseballs a nice crunchy texture.
- Crispy bacon bits: Add some crumbled Baked Bacon to the cheese ball mixture for a crunchy and crispy texture!
- Herbs: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or cilantro for freshness.
- Worcestershire sauce: Add this to the cheese mixture for an enhanced savory flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: For tangy sweetness, mix some sun-dried tomatoes into the mixture.
- Smoked paprika: Sprinkle some smoked paprika into the mixture for a smoky and spicy flavor.
Cooking tools required
To make these pepper jack cheese balls, you'll need the following tools:
- Large cast iron skillet
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Large bowl
- Knife
- Wooden spoon
Tools substitute options
- Large cast iron skillet: Replace it with a large non-stick pan.
How to make Pepper Jack Cheese Balls: step-by-step guide
Cooking methods
Preparation steps
- Gather all the necessary equipment and ingredients.
- Measure the ingredients.
- Wash the green onions, and trim their roots.
Cooking instructions
- Massage the green onions with avocado oil.
- Heat a large cast iron skillet or grill pan over high heat.
- Once hot, add the green onions to the skillet and char for 2-3 minutes per side. Once the onions are charred, remove them and set them aside on a cutting board.
- Mince the green onions.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded pepper jack, cheddar, cream cheese, minced green onion, and seasoning salt.
- Mix well, then turn them into bite-sized balls.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow them to set, then roll the chilled cheese balls in crushed Moon Cheese.
- Refrigerate for a bit before serving!
Chef's pro tip
To keep your cheese ball mixture light and tender, avoid overmixing. Just stir the ingredients until they're well combined, and then stop. This way, you prevent the mixture from becoming too dense and tough.
What to serve with Pepper Jack Cheese Balls?
Wondering what to pair with your pepper jack cheese balls? Here are some fantastic serving suggestions to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal:
- Seed crackers: Spread a generous amount of pepper jack cheese balls on these crackers and enjoy.
- Cucumber slices: Slice fresh, chilled cucumbers into thin slices. Then, place a small portion of the cheese ball on each cucumber slice and enjoy a refreshing bite.
How to make it healthier?
You can make this pepper jack cheese ball recipe even healthier by following these tips:
- Add veggies: Serve these cheese balls with a variety of raw vegetables. They will not only add color to your dish but will also provide additional nutrients and fiber.
- Use low-sodium cheese: Opt for low-sodium cheese variants to keep the sodium levels in check. High sodium can lead to water retention and high blood pressure.
- Include seeds or nuts: Roll your cheese balls in finely chopped seeds or nuts instead of crushed moon cheese for added nutrition and a different texture.
Time-saving tips
- Buy pre-shredded pepper jack and sharp cheddar cheese to save time on grating.
- Opt for pre-minced jalapeños to skip the chopping.
- Use a food processor to blend the cheese mixture quickly and efficiently.
What can I prepare ahead of time?
- Pre-char and mince your green onions, then store them in the fridge in a sealed container.
- Pre-crush your moon cheese.
- Pre-wash and slice your preferred veggies for serving with the cheese ball. Keep them fresh in an airtight container in the fridge.
Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Wrap the cheese balls tightly in plastic wrap before popping them in the fridge. They should last for a week.
- Freezer: Wrap the cheese ball mixture tightly in plastic wrap, and put it into a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. You can freeze them for up to 2 months.
Note: When you're ready to enjoy your cheese ball, remove it from the fridge and let it warm to room temperature before eating. There's no need to reheat!
Recipe wrap-up conclusion
Our Pepper Jack Cheese Balls are a must-try for any true cheese enthusiast. Within an hour, you can create a delicious blend of various cheeses, skillfully mingled with carefully selected herbs and spices. This versatile dish makes for the perfect appetizer or party snack, and there's no doubt your guests will praise your culinary efforts. So, it's time to put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and embark on this delightful cheese-making journey. Don't wait another moment to experience the heavenly taste of these mouth-watering cheese balls!
Frequently asked questions
Is pepper jack cheese keto?
Yes, pepper jack cheese is keto-friendly.
Why isn't my cheese ball holding its shape?
Your cheese ball may not be holding its shape because the cheese mixture hasn't had enough cooling time. When this happens, put them back in the fridge.
Why are my cheese balls too soft?
The cream cheese might not have been cold enough before mixing. This results in a softer mixture. So, ensure your cream cheese is well-refrigerated before you begin.
The Moon Cheese coating isn't sticking to the cheese ball. What can I do to fix this?
Put the cheese balls back into the fridge and allow them sufficient time to cool.
Why did my cheese ball crack while chilling?
Cracks indicate that the cheese ball has been in the fridge too long, causing it to dry out. To prevent this, ensure the cheese ball is well-wrapped or covered while chilling.
Looking for more Moon Cheese recipes? Check these out!
📖 Recipe
Pepper Jack Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 5 green onions
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil
- 1 ½ cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 16 ounces cream cheese
- 1 jalapeño minced
- ½ teaspoon seasoning salt
- 1 2-oz bag Pepper Jack Moon Cheese crushed
- Crackers or vegetables to serve
Instructions
- Drizzle the green onions with the avocado oil. Heat a large cast iron skillet or grill pan over high heat. Once hot, add the green onions to the skillet and char for 2-3 minutes per side. Once charred remove and set aside on a cutting board. Mince the green onions.
- In a large bowl combine the shredded pepper jack, cheddar, cream cheese, minced green onion, and seasoning salt. Mix well then form into a ball. Refrigerate for 30 minutes - 1 hour to allow to set then roll in crushed Moon Cheese.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve with your favorite low-carb crackers or vegetables.
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