Savory Bacon-Cheese Popcorn Balls
Ingredients
Directions
Ingredients
1.5 tsp
garlic powder
0.5 tsp
chili powder
0.25 tsp
chipotle powder
0.25 tsp
salt
0.25 tsp
paprika
4 oz
bacon, finely diced
3 tbsp
popcorn
2.75 c
finely grated cheddar cheese
0.25 c
finely grated cheddar cheese
3 oz
cream cheese, softened
1 tbsp
maple syrup
Savory Bacon-Cheese Popcorn Balls
What to serve for your next holiday party? These little appetizers, which are as delicious as they are unexpected.
18 bite-size popcorn balls
- Combine the first 5 ingredients (garlic powder through paprika) and set aside.
- Brown the bacon in a large pot over medium heat. When it is completely browned and crisp, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Pour the drippings into a bowl. Return 1 tablespoon of the drippings to the pan.
- Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the popcorn and cover the pot. Shake the pan over the burner until the kernels begin to pop. Keep shaking until the popping slows down or stops. Remove from the heat and pour the popcorn into a large mixing bowl, leaving any unpopped kernels behind. Sprinkle the spices, 2 3/4 cups cheddar, and all but 1 tablespoon of the reserved bacon over the hot popcorn, and stir. When the mixture is cool enough to handle, combine the cream cheese and maple syrup, and stir this into the popcorn mixture. Form small balls (one- or two-bite size) with your hands.
- Crumble the 1 tablespoon of bacon finely, and combine it with the 1/4 cup finely grated cheddar cheese. Roll the balls in the cheddar/bacon mixture, and serve. These are good warm or at room temperature.
Recipe by Tara Tuckwiller