Description
This Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball is the ultimate game day appetizer! It’s a creamy, cheesy, spicy dip shaped like a football and coated in crispy bacon. Perfect for serving with crackers, pretzels, or fresh veggies, this easy recipe is a crowd-pleaser at any tailgate or Super Bowl party.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Cheese Ball
- 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 2 jalapeños, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Coating & Garnish
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (for rolling)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional)
- 1 mozzarella string cheese (for the football laces)
Instructions
- Mix the cheese ball base: In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, diced jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and ½ cup crumbled bacon. Stir until well combined.
- Shape the football: Transfer the cheese mixture to a piece of plastic wrap. Shape it into a football, then wrap tightly in the plastic. Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to firm up.
- Coat the cheese ball: Once firm, unwrap and roll the cheese ball in the remaining ½ cup of crumbled bacon and parsley (if using), pressing gently so it sticks.
- Make the football laces: Cut a mozzarella string cheese into thin strips and arrange them on top of the cheese ball to resemble football laces.
- Serve: Place the cheese ball on a serving platter with crackers, pretzels, or fresh veggies. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make it spicier: Keep the jalapeño seeds or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Make ahead: You can prepare this up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated.
- Serving suggestion: Serve with crackers, pita chips, tortilla chips, or sliced veggies like celery and bell peppers.