Description
Mexican taco cheese ball brings zesty flavors to party appetizers. Crispy tortilla chips complement creamy, spiced cheese mixture that guests will devour quickly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz (454 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1.5 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (cheddar + Monterey Jack)
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 1 cup crushed nacho-flavored tortilla chips (like Doritos)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 0.5 cup diced green onions
- 0.5 cup diced red bell pepper (or jalapenos for spice)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 0.25 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
- Extra diced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preparation: Combine cream cheese, shredded cheese, taco seasoning, sour cream, green onions, bell pepper, garlic powder, and lime juice in a large mixing bowl. Blend thoroughly until the mixture achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
- Shaping: Lay out plastic wrap and transfer the cheese mixture onto it. Carefully mold into a compact spherical shape, ensuring complete coverage and tight wrapping. Refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight to firm up and allow flavors to meld.
- Coating Preparation: Crush nacho chips into fine crumbs, then mix with chopped cilantro and crumbled bacon to create a flavorful, crunchy exterior coating.
- Finishing: Remove cheese ball from refrigerator and gently roll in the prepared coating, ensuring complete and even coverage. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with additional green onion snippets.
- Serving: Arrange an assortment of dipping accompaniments like tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable slices around the cheese ball for an inviting presentation.
Notes
- Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and improve structural integrity.
- Soften Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, easy mixing without lumps or uneven texture.
- Customize Coating: Experiment with alternative coatings like crushed doritos, panko breadcrumbs, or toasted nuts for unique flavor and texture variations.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular cream cheese for low-fat versions, use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, or create a vegetarian option by omitting meat and adding extra spices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg