Description
This Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball is the ultimate game-day appetizer! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky bacon and spicy jalapeños, it’s shaped like a football for the perfect party centerpiece. Serve it with crackers, pretzels, or veggie sticks!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Cheese Ball:
- 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 jalapeños, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
For Coating & Decoration:
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1 piece of string cheese (for football laces)
For Serving:
- Crackers
- Pretzels
- Sliced veggies (carrots, celery, bell peppers)
Instructions
1️⃣ Mix the Cheese Ball
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, bacon, jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
2️⃣ Shape the Football
- Transfer the mixture onto a serving platter.
- Shape into a football using your hands or a spatula.
3️⃣ Coat & Decorate
- Press bacon crumbles, shredded cheddar, and parsley onto the surface to fully coat.
- Slice the string cheese into thin strips and arrange on top to resemble football laces.
4️⃣ Chill & Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor.
- Serve with crackers, pretzels, or veggies.
Notes
🌶 Spicier? Use extra jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce.
🥓 Bacon Lovers? Mix bacon bits directly into the cheese ball for extra crunch.
🧀 Extra Creamy? Stir in sour cream or ranch dressing for a smoother texture.
🥑 Tex-Mex Twist? Add diced avocado or taco seasoning for a unique flavor.