In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment or in a large mixing bowl with an electric hand mixer, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, garlic powder and onion powder. Beat to fully combine.
8 ounces cream cheese (full fat), ½ cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder
Fold in the shredded cheeses to fully combine.
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
Spoon the cheese ball mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Shape into a ball and wrap snuggly with the plastic wrap.
Place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (better longer or overnight). This allows the ingredients blend together, to firm up and the cheese ball to develop a more firm consistency.
When ready to serve, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and roll in the Flamin' Hot Cheetos crumbs to coat. Serve with crackers of your choice and a cheese spreader for adding to crackers.
2 cups Flamin’ Hot Cheetos
Notes
How to crush the CheetosRecommended: Use a food processor or mini chopper to get the finest crumb size and consistency. Pour them in, pulse until fine crumbs form.An alternative if you do not have a food processor OR want more texture on the outside of the cream cheese ball: Place the Cheetos in a gallon size Ziploc style bag and place on its side on a firm surface. Lay a thin kitchen towel on top. Use a rolling pin to press down and roll until the Cheetos have formed crumbs.Variation Ideas
Change the outside coating. You can coat the outside with different crushed chips, finely chopped pecans, sesame seeds, crushed potato chips, crushed Ritz crackers and more.
Make mini cream cheese balls. Instead of rolling the ingredients into one large cheese ball, roll it into several 1-inch diameter small balls and add a pretzel stick. Great individual appetizers (think finger foods) for your next gathering.
Change the filling ingredients. Choose a different type (or types) or pre-shredded cheese to swap in to make this delicious cheeseball your own homemade cheeseball blend!
Storing LeftoversStore any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
