Make a crowd pleasing jalapeño cheese ball for your next party. This flavorful cheese spread is made with cream cheese, jalapeños, and a dash of hot sauce, then rolled in crunchy toasted bread crumbs.
In a bowl, add cream cheese, sharp cheddar, jalapeño, onion, hot sauce, salt, and garlic powder. Mash ingredients together until evenly incorporated. Add more hot sauce as desired.
Form cheese mixture into a ball using plastic wrap or wax paper. Refrigerate for about 2 hours, or until firm.
In a skillet over medium heat, add bread crumbs. Stir frequently until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
Unwrap cheese ball and gently roll in bread crumbs until evenly coated. Serve with crackers and sliced vegetables. Or, refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Cheese ball can be made ahead and refrigerated for 2-3 days before serving. Seal tightly in plastic wrap and place in a sealed container until ready to serve.
If refrigerating cheese ball for more than 1 day, refrain from rolling in bread crumbs until day of serving.
Remove cheese ball and allow to set at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving - this will make it easier for guests to spread onto crackers.