Begin by combining your softened cream cheese and mayonnaise in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to blend them until the mixture is fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, gently fold in the sharp cheddar cheese, finely diced jalapeños, 240ml of crumbled bacon, minced chives, and optional red onion. Season with black pepper and cayenne pepper to taste, ensuring an even distribution of flavors throughout the cheese mixture.

Once your cheese mixture is well combined, spread the remaining crumbled bacon evenly on a shallow dish. This will create a crispy coating for your cheese balls.

Utilize a cookie scoop to portion out your cheese mixture, forming it into balls about the size of walnuts. As you scoop the cheese mixture, keep your hands slightly damp to avoid sticking. Roll each cheese ball in the crumbled bacon on the shallow dish, ensuring they are coated evenly.

After coating the cheese balls, transfer them to a platter or a baking sheet. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.