This Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball is fun and delicious! It’s made with cheesy goodness, spicy jalapeños, and wrapped in a tasty coating that looks like a football.
Everyone loves to dig into this treat during game day! I like to serve it with crunchy crackers. Honestly, it’s hard to stop at just one bite—you’re warned! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: The base of this cheese ball, softened cream cheese helps create that creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, feel free to use Neufchâtel cheese; it works just as well!
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The sharp flavor is key here! You can substitute with mild cheddar or a blend of cheeses if you prefer a milder taste. Pepper jack is a fun twist if you want more heat!
Bacon: Cooked bacon brings a smoky flavor and nice crunch. For a vegetarian option, try adding chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a unique taste.
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños add that signature spice. If you want less heat, use fewer jalapeños or opt for banana peppers instead for a milder flavor.
Crackers: Ritz crackers create buttery goodness. You can swap them with any buttery or gluten-free cracker that you enjoy. Pretzel crisps can also give it a nice crunch!
How Do You Form the Perfect Cheese Ball Shape?
Shaping your cheese ball might seem tricky, but it’s very doable! Having a clean, fun football shape is key for presentation.
- After mixing your ingredients, wet your hands slightly. This helps keep the cheese mixture from sticking to your hands.
- Use your palms to shape the mixture into an oblong, football-like form. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; a little rustic charm adds to the fun!
- Place the formed cheese ball on a plate, and if you want a cleaner shape, you can wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it for a bit before rolling in the crackers.
With these tips, you’ll have a delightful cheese ball ready to impress your guests! Enjoy! 🏈
Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cheese Ball:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (reserve some thin slices for garnish)
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (scallions), divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Coating and Serving:
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or similar buttery crackers
- Sour cream or cream cheese for decorating (to make the football laces)
- Optional: Additional shredded cheddar cheese for serving
- Crackers for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for preparation and at least 1 hour to chill. Once it’s all set, you’ll have a delightful app ready in no time for your friends and family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix Everything Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon (remember to save about 2 tablespoons for later), chopped jalapeños, 1 tablespoon of green onions, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix it all up until everything is fully combined and looks delicious!
2. Shape the Cheese Ball:
Now it’s time to form the cheese mixture into a shape! Use your hands to mold it into an oblong football shape and place it on a serving plate. Don’t worry if it looks a little imperfect—it’ll be tasty either way!
3. Coat the Cheese Ball:
Spread the crushed Ritz crackers on a large plate or shallow bowl. Roll your shaped cheese ball in the crushed crackers until it’s completely covered. Press gently to make sure the crackers stick nicely.
4. Add the Toppings:
Sprinkle the reserved bacon evenly over the top center of your cheese ball to give it that football look! Then, scatter the remaining green onions and the sliced jalapeños around the sides for decoration, like grass surrounding a football field.
5. Pipe the Football Laces:
To make it even more fun, take some sour cream or softened cream cheese and put it in a piping bag or a plastic bag with a small corner cut off. Pipe football laces over the top bacon strip. Draw a vertical line down the center with little horizontal lines crossing over it. So cute!
6. Chill and Serve:
Pop your cheese ball in the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour—this helps the flavors mix and makes it a bit more solid. When you’re ready to serve, arrange some extra shredded cheddar cheese and crackers around it for dipping.
7. Enjoy!
Cue the game day snacks! Serve your Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball chilled with those crackers and dig in. It’s sure to be a hit for any gathering!
This cheese ball perfectly captures the spicy and savory flavors of jalapeño poppers in a fun football presentation—great for game day snacking!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese works just as well as regular cream cheese, maintaining the tasty flavors while cutting back on calories. It may be a bit softer, so handle it gently when shaping your cheese ball.
Can I Prep This Cheese Ball in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball up to 24 hours in advance! Just follow all the steps until chilling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. Roll it in the crushed crackers just before serving for the best crunch.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep it covered to maintain freshness. You can enjoy it cold or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving!
What Can I Substitute for the Bacon?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option or don’t have bacon on hand, you can replace it with chopped green olives or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor. You could also use tempeh bacon for a similar smokiness!
