Description
Spicy Mexican Taco Cheese Ball elevates party snacking with zesty southwestern flavors and creamy texture. Packed with bold spices and easy to prepare, this crowd-pleasing appetizer will tempt guests to dive into delicious comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Cheese Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1.5 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (cheddar + Monterey Jack)
Flavor and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Vegetable and Additional Ingredients:
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 0.5 cup diced green onions
- 0.5 cup diced red bell pepper (or jalapenos for spice)
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup crushed nacho-flavored tortilla chips (like Doritos)
- 0.25 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- Extra diced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Gather the mixture elements in a spacious mixing vessel, blending softened cream cheese with shredded cheese, taco seasoning, sour cream, finely chopped green onions, diced bell pepper, garlic powder, and a splash of zesty lime juice until the components harmonize into a uniform consistency.
- Transfer the creamy concoction onto a sheet of plastic wrap, carefully molding it into a rounded form with gentle hands. Encase the mixture completely, sealing it tightly to preserve its shape and texture.
- Nestle the wrapped cheese sphere into the refrigerator, allowing it to rest and solidify for a minimum of two hours, or ideally overnight, which will enhance its structural integrity and flavor melding.
- While the cheese ball chills, prepare the exterior coating by pulverizing nacho chips into fine, crunchy fragments. Introduce finely chopped cilantro and crumbled bacon to create a complex, textural exterior.
- Extract the chilled cheese formation from its cold sanctuary and meticulously roll it through the prepared coating mixture, ensuring every surface is generously and evenly covered with the crisp, savory exterior.
- Position the fully adorned cheese sphere onto an elegant serving platter, scattering additional green onion snippets for a vibrant garnish. Present alongside an array of accompaniments such as crisp tortilla chips, rustic crackers, or fresh vegetable slices for delightful dipping.
Notes
- Customize the heat level by adjusting jalapeños or choosing mild/spicy taco seasoning to suit different taste preferences.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version without compromising flavor complexity.
- Make the cheese ball ahead of time and store in the refrigerator up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and develop deeper taste profiles.
- Explore alternative coatings like crushed Doritos, panko breadcrumbs, or toasted pepitas for unique texture and crunch variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg