Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

Ingredients

• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 package Laughing Cow jalapeno flavored cheese, unwrapped (or 1/2 cup cream cheese)
• 1 tbsp finely diced jalapeno pepper
• 1 cup shredded sharp or extra old cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 36 strips pre-cooked bacon 
• Barbecue sauce

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, using a fork, mash the Laughing Cow cheese until soft. Stir in the diced jalapeno and the shredded cheddar cheese.
2. Using clean damp hands, roll into small balls about 1/8 of an ince in diameter. Once rolled, place in the freezer for about 10 minutes to harden.
3. In a large bowl mix the ground beef with the garlic powder, salt and pepper.
4. Roll into meatballs, about 2 inches in diameter and then using your finger make an indentation in the center of each. Place one of the hardened cheese balls into the indentation and wrap the ground beef around to cover, rolling again. Gently brown in batches of six in a pan over medium heat in 2 tbsp of hot vegetable oil. Turn and move them continuously until browned on all sides and then let rest on a rack while you make the next batch.
5. Wrap each meatball in a slice of pre-cooked bacon, affix the bacon with a toothpick or skewer, and then brush all over with barbecue sauce. Cool and place in freezer bags for holiday entertaining or bake immediately.
6. If baking right away, do so on a tinfoil covered sheet treated with cooking spray in a 350 oven for 20 minutes. If frozen, let thaw on the counter and then bake using the same directions.