Homemade Cheddar Meatballs Recipe: Cozy Comfort on a Plate

Savory and irresistible, these cheddar meatballs deliver a burst of cheesy goodness that will tantalize your taste buds.

Melted cheddar cheese woven through tender ground meat creates a mouthwatering blend of comfort and flavor.

Every bite promises a delightful combination of rich, hearty ingredients that sing with satisfaction.

The recipe balances classic meatball techniques with a sharp cheddar twist that sets it apart from ordinary versions.

Perfectly seasoned and golden-brown, these meatballs work wonderfully as a main dish or appetizer.

Serve them alongside your favorite sides or as a crowd-pleasing party snack that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with this crowd-pleasing dish that transforms a simple meal into a memorable culinary experience.

What Makes Jalapeno Cheddar Meatballs Unforgettable

• Spicy, cheesy meatballs that deliver a mouthwatering punch of excitement in every bite.
• Adjust jalapeno levels to match your heat tolerance, making this recipe perfect for different spice preferences.
• Two-zone cooking technique ensures perfectly cooked meatballs with juicy interiors and deliciously crisp exteriors.
• Combines familiar comfort food elements like ground beef and cheese with a zesty jalapeno kick that appeals to adventurous eaters.

Essential Ingredients for Grilled Jalapeno Cheddar Meatballs

• Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful meat that serves as the main component of the meatballs.
• Tortilla Chips: Provide a unique texture and help bind the meatballs together.
• Milk: Helps soften the tortilla chips and keeps the meatballs moist.

• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp, bold cheese flavor and melts slightly within the meatballs.
• Jalapenos: Brings a spicy kick and fresh pepper heat to the meatball mixture.
• Paprika: Contributes a warm, slightly smoky flavor to the meatball blend.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a classic savory undertone to the meat mixture.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the meatballs.

• Grill: The primary cooking method that imparts a smoky char and grilled flavor to the meatballs.

Kitchen Tools to Make Cheesy Jalapeno Meatballs Shine

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients and softening tortilla chips.
• Measuring cup: Essential for portioning out the meat mixture accurately.
• Cutting board: Ideal for dicing jalapenos and cheese.
• Sharp knife: Necessary for precise chopping of ingredients.
• Grill: Key tool for cooking meatballs with perfect smoky flavor.
• Meat thermometer: Critical for checking internal temperature of meatballs.
• Plate or tray: Used for refrigerating and holding meatballs before grilling.
• Tongs: Helpful for safely handling and turning meatballs on the grill.

Steps to Juicy Grilled Jalapeno Cheddar Meatballs

Step 1: Soften Tortilla Chips

Crush tortilla chips and soak them in milk.

Let the mixture sit and absorb liquid for about 10 minutes until soft and mushy.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

• Diced jalapenos
• Chopped cheddar cheese
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Kosher salt

Blend everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Shape Delicious Balls

Grab handfuls of the mixture and roll into perfect round meatballs.

Make sure each ball is compact and uniform in size.

Step 4: Chill and Prepare

Transfer meatballs to a plate and refrigerate for half an hour.

This helps them hold their shape during grilling.

Step 5: Fire Up the Grill

Prepare grill for two-zone cooking.

For charcoal, pile coals on one side.

For gas grills, light one end burner.

Target medium heat between 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 6: Grill to Perfection

Place meatballs on the cooler side of the grill.

Close the lid and cook for 25-35 minutes.

Ensure internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove meatballs from grill and let them rest briefly.

Plate and serve these spicy, cheesy delights while hot.

Expert Tips for Cheddar Meatballs with Bold Flavor

• Soak tortilla chips in milk for exactly 10 minutes to create a tender, moist texture that helps bind the meatballs perfectly without making them dense.
• Adjust the amount of diced jalapenos based on your spice tolerance – remove seeds for milder flavor or add more for extra kick.
• Dice the cheddar into small, uniform pieces to ensure even melting and consistent cheesy flavor throughout each meatball.
• Refrigerating meatballs before grilling helps them maintain their shape and prevents them from falling apart during cooking.
• Use two-zone grilling to cook meatballs evenly, allowing them to cook slowly without burning and develop a delicious smoky flavor.

Tasty Twists for Jalapeno Cheddar Meatballs Night

• Vegetarian Jalapeño Cheese Balls: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, keeping the cheesy and spicy profile for a meat-free option.
• Low-Carb Meatball Variation: Swap tortilla chips with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining texture and flavor.
• Chicken Jalapeño Cheddar Meatballs: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken for a leaner protein alternative, maintaining the spicy cheese combination.
• Dairy-Free Spicy Meatballs: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew cheese or nutritional yeast, and replace milk with almond milk for those with dairy restrictions.

Serving Ideas for Cheddar Meatballs Everyone Loves

• Spicy Fiesta Platter: Arrange meatballs on a colorful serving dish surrounded by fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced avocado for a vibrant Mexican-inspired presentation.
• Cool Dipping Delight: Serve with a zesty ranch or creamy chipotle sauce that complements the jalapeno's heat and enhances the meatballs' cheesy flavor profile.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Skewer these meatballs on toothpicks for easy appetizer-style eating during sports events or casual gatherings, perfect for finger food lovers.
• Hearty Meal Transformation: Nestle meatballs over warm Spanish rice or wrap them in soft tortillas to create a satisfying main course that goes beyond simple appetizer status.

Storing Jalapeno Cheddar Meatballs Snacking

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place them in a single layer to prevent sticking and maintain their shape.
• Wrap individual meatballs in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
• Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated completely.

FAQs

• Why use tortilla chips in the meatballs?

Tortilla chips act as a binding agent and add moisture to the meatballs, creating a tender texture while preventing them from becoming dry during grilling.

• Can I adjust the spice level of these meatballs?

Yes, you can control the heat by removing the jalapeno seeds for a milder version or adding more diced jalapenos for extra spiciness.

• What's the benefit of two-zone grilling for meatballs?

Two-zone grilling allows for gentle, even cooking by using indirect heat, which prevents burning and helps the meatballs cook thoroughly without charring the outside.

• How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F, which ensures the ground beef is safely cooked through.

Cheddar Meatballs Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory cheddar meatballs deliver a mouthwatering twist on classic comfort food. Rich cheese-infused beef creates a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners that you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) ground beef

Cheese and Spicy Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) block of cheddar cheese, finely diced
• 3 fresh jalapenos, seeded and finely diced

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup tortilla chips, crushed
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) milk
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, immerse crushed tortilla chips with milk, allowing them to hydrate and soften for approximately 10 minutes until liquid is completely absorbed.
2. Incorporate ground beef, finely chopped jalapenos, diced cheddar cheese, paprika, garlic powder, and kosher salt into the softened chip mixture, thoroughly blending all components.
3. Using hands or a scoop, craft uniform meatballs roughly the size of a golf ball, ensuring consistent shape and size throughout the batch.
4. Transfer shaped meatballs onto a clean tray, then refrigerate for half an hour to enhance structural integrity and promote even cooking.
5. Prepare grill for two-zone cooking method: for charcoal grills, concentrate heat on one side; for propane, activate end burner while leaving others inactive. Target medium heat range between 350-375°F.
6. Strategically position meatballs on the cooler grill section, cover with lid, and maintain steady cooking for 25-35 minutes until internal temperature precisely reaches 165°F.
7. Once fully cooked, remove meatballs from grill, allowing brief resting period before serving to preserve juiciness and distribute internal heat evenly.

Notes

• Use stale tortilla chips for better milk absorption, ensuring a moist and tender meatball texture.
• Dice jalapenos and cheddar cheese into small, uniform pieces to distribute flavor and prevent large chunks.
• Chilling meatballs before grilling helps them maintain shape and prevents falling apart during cooking.
• For spice lovers, keep seeds in jalapenos; for milder taste, remove seeds and membranes before dicing.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 394
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 622 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 88 mg