Cheddar Jalapeño Cheese Balls
Delightful cheese balls with a crispy exterior and cheesy center, enhanced with jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Servings: 20 pieces
Calories: 120kcal
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (3g)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 cup cold cubed butter (227g)
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
Cheese and Vegetables
- 1 cup grated cheddar or pepper jack cheese (100g)
- 2 tablespoons minced jalapeños
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and finely chopped fresh rosemary.
- Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture becomes dry and crumbly.
- Stir in the lightly beaten egg, grated cheddar or pepper jack cheese, minced jalapeños, and fresh thyme leaves until well combined.
- Roll the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a greased or lined baking sheet, keeping a few inches of space between each.
- Flatten each ball slightly using a mug or jar.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
Serve warm as an appetizer or snack; pair with ranch dip or spicy salsa. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or frozen for later use.