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Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball

This festive appetizer combines creamy, spicy, and crunchy elements to create a crowd-pleasing cheese ball shaped like a football, perfect for game day or gatherings.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cheese Base
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened the silkiest base you can imagine
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese or swap half for Monterey Jack for milder heat
Add-ins
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and finely chopped substitute vegetarian bacon for a meatless option
  • 2 to 3 pieces jalapeños, seeds removed and finely diced roast first for smoky depth
  • 2 pieces green onions, thinly sliced swap with chives for a delicate onion flavor
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 minced clove fresh garlic for punch
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for warmth and color
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce adds umami; soy sauce works in a pinch
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
Coating and Decoration
  • 1 cup crushed buttery crackers or toasted panko for rolling and crunch
  • 6 to 8 strips extra bacon or pretzel sticks for football laces and decoration

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the bacon until crispy, drain on paper towels, and chop finely.
  2. If roasting jalapeños, place them under a broiler or on a hot skillet until skins blister and char, then cool and finely chop.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
  4. Add the shredded cheddar, chopped bacon (reserve a tablespoon for rolling), diced jalapeños, sliced green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
  5. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
  6. Scoop the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap and shape it into an oblong football shape.
  7. Chill the wrapped ball in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Coating and Serving
  1. Spread the crushed crackers or toasted panko on a plate.
  2. Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the crumbs until coated evenly.
  3. For the football laces, arrange bacon strips or pretzel sticks across the top.
  4. Use a thin strip of cream cheese to 'glue' them in place.
  5. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with extra sliced green onions if desired, and serve with assorted dippers.

Notes

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt. For a richer finish, fold in a tablespoon of softened butter. This recipe can be made a day in advance.