Jalapeno Cheese Ball

This cheese ball is all you need to have on hand in the fridge for unexpected guests or "bring a plate" requests over the festive season.  Nice flavour with hint of chilli but not too spicy for the more sensitive pallets.

Ingredients

1 box of Cream Cheese (250g) softened
2 Tablespoons sour cream
3/4 Teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 Teaspoon onion powder
1/4 Teaspoon black pepper
2 cups grated matured cheese (reserve 1/2 cup)
6 slices of bacon, cooked in the oven till crisp, chopped (reserve half)
2 fresh Jalapenos finely diced (reserve half)
1/2 cup chopped green onions (reserve half)

Method

In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream and garlic and onion powder.
Beat on a low speed until smooth and creamy.
Add 11/2 cups of grated cheese, half the chopped bacon, half the diced jalapeno and half the green onion.
Combine your reserved cheese, bacon, jalapenos and green onions in a small snap lock bag and store in the fridge.

Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap on the bench, then lay a second on top.
Spoon the cheese onto this in a ball shape, bring the sides up to cover and form into a ball.
Refrigerate overnight.

20 minutes before serving, remove from the fridge.
Spread reserved cheese, bacon, jalapenos and green onions on a large plate.
Unwrap the ball from the plastic wrap and roll around in the reserved toppings.

Serve with favourite crackers or fresh bread,

Mamma Marmalade