Cheesy Jalapeño Chili Garlic Balls

Featured in: Prairie Breakfasts

These golden biscuit muffin balls blend sharp cheddar, fresh jalapeños, and vibrant chili-garlic undertones in a light, fluffy bite. Easy to prepare, the mixture is gently packed into muffin cups and baked for a crisp edge and tender center. Enjoy them warm, brushed with melted butter and a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra flair—perfect for sharing at parties or serving as a breakfast treat. Customize heat by adjusting the jalapeños or try other cheeses to match your taste.

Updated on Thu, 30 Oct 2025 09:06:00 GMT
Fluffy Cheesy Jalapeño Chili Garlic Biscuit Muffin Balls, golden brown and cheesy perfection.  Pin
Fluffy Cheesy Jalapeño Chili Garlic Biscuit Muffin Balls, golden brown and cheesy perfection. | kitchenprairie.com

Fluffy, savory biscuit balls loaded with cheddar, fresh jalapeños, and a kick of chili-garlic flavor, baked in muffin form for a perfect party snack or breakfast treat.

The first time I baked these cheesy jalapeño chili garlic biscuit muffin balls, my kitchen was filled with the aroma of toasted cheese and garlic. Each bite gives a little crunch of fresh jalapeño, and these quickly became a go-to for bringing to brunch or enjoying on a chilly afternoon.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Dairy & Fats: 4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter (cold and cubed), 1 cup (100 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
  • Vegetables & Flavors: 2 medium jalapeños (seeded and finely diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives (optional)
  • For Topping: 2 tbsp melted butter, 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

Preheat & Prepare:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, chili powder, and garlic powder.
Cut in Butter:
Add the cold butter cubes. Cut into the flour with a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Cheese & Veggies:
Fold in cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, minced garlic, and chives (if using).
Add Buttermilk:
Pour in buttermilk and gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix. Dough will be sticky.
Shape Muffin Balls:
Using a large spoon or cookie scoop, divide dough evenly among muffin cups, forming rounded balls.
Bake:
Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Finish & Serve:
Remove from oven and immediately brush tops with melted butter. Sprinkle chili flakes on top if desired. Cool for 5 minutes, then remove from pan and serve warm.
Savory Cheesy Jalapeño Chili Garlic Biscuit Muffin Balls, perfect for snacks or breakfast treats.  Pin
Savory Cheesy Jalapeño Chili Garlic Biscuit Muffin Balls, perfect for snacks or breakfast treats. | kitchenprairie.com
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Multicooker
🔥 Black Friday: 57% OFF — Rare Occasion!
I personally use this model all the time for my recipes — soups, stews, rice, slow-cooking… it does everything. If you've been thinking about getting one, this Black Friday deal is **honestly one of the best I’ve seen**.
👉 Get the Black Friday Deal

My family loves the tangy buttermilk inside and the crispy cheesy edges on each muffin ball. These always disappear quickly, especially if someone grabs the chili topped ones first!

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm, on their own, or with sour cream or ranch dip for extra creaminess. Perfect for brunch, parties, or late-night snacks.

Make Ahead & Storage

Freeze leftover muffin balls in an airtight container for up to a month. Reheat straight from the freezer at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes for best results.

Nutrition & Allergens

Each serving contains approximately 190 calories, 10 g total fat, 19 g carbs, and 5 g protein. Contains wheat (gluten), milk, cheese, and butter—check cheese and butter labels if sensitive to allergens.

Warm Cheesy Jalapeño Chili Garlic Biscuit Muffin Balls topped with butter and chili flakes. Pin
Warm Cheesy Jalapeño Chili Garlic Biscuit Muffin Balls topped with butter and chili flakes. | kitchenprairie.com

These biscuit muffin balls bring bold flavor and fun to your table. Try customizing the toppings and enjoy them fresh from the oven!

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I use another cheese instead of cheddar?

Yes, Monterey Jack or pepper jack offers a different flavor profile and works well for these muffin balls.

How do I make them spicier?

Leave some jalapeño seeds in or add extra chili flakes to the topping for more heat.

Can these be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake, cool, then freeze. Reheat at 350°F for 8–10 minutes before serving.

What dip goes well for serving?

Sour cream, ranch, or your favorite creamy dip complements the savory flavors of these muffin balls.

Is buttermilk necessary or can I substitute?

You can substitute plain yogurt or milk with a splash of vinegar for similar texture and tang.

Are these suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, they contain only vegetarian ingredients—cheese, butter, and eggs, with no meat included.

Cheesy Jalapeño Chili Garlic Balls

Fluffy balls packed with cheddar, jalapeños, and garlic-chili, baked to perfection for a tasty snack or breakfast.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
18 min
Complete duration
38 min


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 12 Portions

Diet specifications Vegetarian

Components

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
06 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Dairy & Fats

01 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
02 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
03 1 cup buttermilk

Vegetables & Flavors

01 2 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
02 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)

For Topping

01 2 tablespoons melted butter
02 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Set oven to 400°F. Grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.

Phase 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, chili powder, and garlic powder until well blended.

Phase 03

Incorporate Butter: Add cold butter cubes into dry mixture. Cut the butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.

Phase 04

Add Cheese and Vegetables: Fold in shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, minced garlic, and chives if using, distributing evenly.

Phase 05

Mix in Buttermilk: Pour in buttermilk and gently stir just until combined; avoid overmixing. Batter will be sticky.

Phase 06

Portion Dough: Use a large spoon or cookie scoop to evenly divide the dough among muffin cups, shaping into rounded balls.

Phase 07

Bake Muffin Balls: Place tray in oven and bake for 16 to 18 minutes, until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Phase 08

Finish and Cool: Remove baked muffin balls from oven. Immediately brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with chili flakes if desired.

Phase 09

Serve: Allow to cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a cooling rack. Enjoy warm.

Necessary tools

  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooling rack
  • Pastry brush

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, cheese, and butter. Check ingredient labels for potential cross-contaminants.

Nutrient content (each portion)

This data is offered as a general guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 190
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Protein: 5 g