Chipotle Smoked Cheddar Cheese Ball {with Bacon & Jalapeno}.

I received an email several months ago from the marketing company for Kellogg’s asking if I’d like to sample their new bold cutting-edge Cheez-It product.  Would I?  You betcha.

Hehe.  I am pleased to share that I was selected to be a Cheez-It Cheese-searcher.  I received my “research kit” (one of the best marketing pieces I’ve seen) and inside was this letter.  I’ll let you read it.

Today, was the day I revealed my Cheez-It gear AND my first recipe incorporating their brand new Zingz Crackers.  Here I am.  How stinking awesome is this get up?!

Yes, that is a full length monogramed lab coat, complete with crunch-proof testing goggles, my official company badge, pen, clipboard, and a flavor and crunch analysis card (remember mood rings….it has that kind of technology…Mmm Hmm).  But even bigger than that is that we got a sneak preview of two incredible new Cheez-It flavors that pack a big crunch punch!

I enlisted the help of the biggest Cheez-It lover I know.  To quote my kid Shelby “I could honestly eat only cheezits for the rest of my life.”  She really likes them.

Thank you Kellogg for sending us free samples in appreciation of our dedicated cheese search and support.  We loved them both and can’t wait to see them on the supermarket shelves!!

In honor of Halloween, I pumpkin shaped my Chipotle Smoked Cheddar Cheese Ball {with Bacon & Jalapeno} then rolled it crushed Cheez-It Chipotle Cheddar Zingz!!

Fabulous!!  Smoky cheddar, creamy Colby, bacon love, hint of jalapeno, and that cheesy crunchy Cheez-It Zingz coating.  I mean BIG.  Flavor.  WOW.

Thank you again Kellogg for choosing Lemony Thyme to be one of your Cheese-searchers.  My opinion of your new product is 100% my own.  However I can tell you that the assistant Cheese-searchers I’ve enlisted are loving them just as much as I am.

Stay tuned for a Queso Fundido Zingz recipe coming your way soon!

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Chipotle Smoked Cheddar Cheese Ball {with Bacon & Jalapeno}

Servings 10

Author Libby with Lemony Thyme

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded Colby jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded smoked cheddar cheese
• 1 8- ounce block cream cheese room temperature
• 1 jalapeno finely diced (reserve stem)
• 1/4 cup crispy crumbled bacon about 4 slices
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. freshly grated black pepper
• 1 cup Cheez-It Zingz Chipotle Cheddar Snack Crackers when available

Instructions

• Combine all ingredients except Zingz in a medium bowl. Once well blended shape into a ball (or pumpkin).
• Place 1 cup of Zingz into a zipper top bag. Crush crackers then using hands press them into cheese ball, completely coating the cheese.
• Place jalapeno stem on top if making pumpkin shaped cheese ball.
• Serve with pita chips or pita bread.

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