When we start to brainstorm what we might make for the next spate of holiday parties, our brains tend to slide toward cookies and cakes. But while this festive season is always made sweeter with some delicious baked goods, something savory is sometimes the only thing that will hit the spot.
The best way to kick off a holiday party feast is to have an appetizer that gets people talking. And while you might consider cheese balls to be ho-hum, we think this jalapeño popper cheese ball recipe will surprise you — and every other guest at that party.
Beth Pierce of Small Town Woman shared this showstopping recipe, which brings together everything we love about jalapeño popper appetizers without all the fuss of stuffing and frying. This cheese ball centerpiece blends smooth cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, smoky bacon and, of course, spicy peppers to create an appetizer that isn’t only mouth-watering, but which also looks super impressive:
Ingredients for the jalapeño popper cheese ball couldn’t be easier to find. All you need is cream cheese, sour cream, garlic and onion powder, pepper, shredded cheddar, bacon, jalapeños, and scallions. You know. All that stuff that makes your mouth water.
Other than crisping the bacon, no cooking is necessary to make this appealing appetizer. You’ll just need a mixer to bring together all of these ingredients in a snap.
The recipe takes only 15 minutes to whip up once the bacon is cooked. Pierce points out the importance of allowing the finished cheese ball to chill for 24 hours. This gives it a chance to firm up properly and also allows the flavors to blend together well.
Serve the jalapeño popper cheese ball with your favorite crackers and watch it disappear from the holiday buffet table quicker than a snowball on a warm day!
This article originally appeared on Simplemost and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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Pot pie, mac ‘n’ cheese & more cozy comfort foods for fall
There’s no better time than when cooler weather sets in to cuddle up in a blanket and have a heaping helping of a warm and delicious meal. These 19 comfort foods are sure to help you feel perfectly fine this fall season.
Go on and let those leaves fall, you’re not going to miss summer after you try these foods. Throw on a sweater and have a spoonful of sweet potato casserole, oatmeal, or pot pie. ‘Tis the season, after all.
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Sweet potato casserole topped with toasted marshmallows is a fall must-have. It’s warm, sweet and delicious. Plus, it pairs well with turkey.
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Warm and savory chili is just what you need to keep you feeling toasty in cooler weather. Eat this outside as you tailgate this fall. Go team!
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Cinnamon and apples in a flaky crust fresh out of the oven? This recipe is calling my name.
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A recipe with tons of cheese? That sounds perfect. Have a heaping spoonful of this mac ‘n cheese with breadcrumb topping with all of your fall meals.
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Squash boats make for an excellent fall meal as this vegetable is in season this time of year.
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Garlic and herb mashed potatoes will make an excellent side item this fall. It’s creamy, savory, and packed with flavor.
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Roasted tomato adds a rich flavor. Mix that with parmesan croutons, and you’ve got the perfect meal to eat from your couch.
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This suggestion needs no explanation. Pumpkin pie is a necessity for this season.
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It doesn’t have to be Thanksgiving for you to eat homestyle sausage stuffing. Packed with meat and bread crumbs soaked in chicken broth, how could you say no to this savory side dish?
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Sautéed in herbs, there’s nothing like a nice roasted chicken during the fall.
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A pie that you can eat for dinner? How could you say no to this chicken pot pie recipe? It’s flaky and warm, but filled with meat and veggies instead of fruit.
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This green bean casserole has an added bonus with cheese and bacon. How could you turn this down?
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Have the most amazing fall breakfast with this cinnamon pancake recipe. Plus, there’s a glaze that goes along with it. Don’t mind if I do!
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Apple strudel, and in only 30 minutes? It’s the perfect excuse to eat a flaky pie-like treat for breakfast, you know?
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Chicken & Dumplings are quite the combo. Biscuits and chicken in a creamy broth? I’ll take a huge bowl-full, please.
16. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries you can bake right in your oven are a super easy and delicious way to celebrate colder weather. They’re just crispy enough — and there’s no deep-fryer needed!
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Oatmeal fresh out of the oven? I’m willing to give that a try. It’s still plenty warm and delicious, you can just eat it with a fork instead of a spoon.
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Fried apple fritters are an excellent dessert option for fall. It’s like a mini-apple pie, it tear-apart pastry form.
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Caramel is an autumn classic. Use it to make salted caramel brownies and you’ve got the perfect comfort food. Chocolate and caramel always makes me feel better.
If these foods don’t make you feel wonderful this time of year, then I don’t know what will. Don’t let cold weather get you down. Enjoy these recipes all fall season long!
This article originally appeared on SimpleMost.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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Featured Image Credit: Pinterest / SmallTownWoman.com.
