Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball

Let’s Talk Cheese Balls

If you’re looking to impress your friends at the next football party, you’ve struck gold with the Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball. Not only does it taste phenomenal, but it also doubles as a conversation starter – because who doesn’t love a cheese ball shaped like a football? 🏈 This tasty treat brings all the spicy, creamy goodness of jalapeño poppers wrapped into a delightful cheeseball.

Why Make This Recipe

So, why bother making this cheesy masterpiece? First off, it’s delicious. The combo of cream cheese, cheddar, and jalapeños makes it a flavor explosion you won’t forget. Plus, once everyone sees it, you’ll be the star of the show! It’s perfect for game nights, parties, or just when you want something cheesy for yourself (don’t worry, no judging here).

How to Make Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball

Creating this yummy football cheese ball is a piece of cake! (Or should I say cheese ball? 😉) Here’s what you need to do:

1. Prepare the Coating: Mix together your chopped pecans, fresh jalapeño, and half of your cooked bacon in a bowl, then set it aside. This will be your outer coating.
2. Cheesy Mixture Time: In another large bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Monterey jack cheese, pickled jalapeños, green onion, garlic powder, and the remaining bacon. Trust me; it’s as good as it sounds!
3. Shape It Up: Roll the mixture into a big ball, and then shape it into a football. That’s where the fun begins!
4. Coat and Decorate: Sprinkle your pecan coating over the cheese ball, making sure to press it in slightly so it sticks. Don’t be shy!
5. Laces on the Ball: Grab some leftover Monterey jack cheese, cut one long strip and four smaller strips, and lay them on top of your cheese ball to form the “laces.” Mini football fashion show, anyone? 🙌
6. Ready to Serve: Enjoy your masterpiece with regular crackers or chips. Dig in!

Ingredients

• 16 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded (plus extra for the "laces")
• ½ cup pickled jalapeños, chopped
• 1 fresh jalapeño, deseeded & finely diced
• ¼ cup green onion, sliced (both green & white parts are good)
• 8-10 slices of bacon, cooked & cooled
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ cup pecans, finely chopped

Directions

1. Mix the chopped pecans, fresh jalapeño, and half of your cooked bacon together in a bowl, then set it aside (that’s your outer coating!).
2. In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Monterey jack cheese, pickled jalapeños, green onion, garlic powder, and the remaining bacon.
3. Roll that gooey mixture into a ball, plop it on a tray, and shape it into a football.
4. Sprinkle your pecan coating all over the cheese ball, pressing it a bit to ensure it sticks.
5. Cut one long strip and four smaller strips from your leftover Monterey jack cheese, and arrange them on top of your cheese ball to create the “laces.”
6. Serve immediately with your favorite crackers or chips and watch it disappear faster than you can say “Touchdown!”

How to Serve Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball

When it comes to serving, simplicity is key. Place it on a platter surrounded by your favorite snacks. Crackers, tortilla chips, veggie sticks – the choices are endless! Just be prepared for friends to swarm as soon as they lay eyes on it. You might want to consider making two… just a thought!

How to Store Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball

If you manage to have leftovers (which is a huge if), wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It should stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-5 days. Just make sure it’s well-covered; nobody wants a dried-out cheese ball!

Tips to Make Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball

• Ensure your cream cheese is at room temp for easier mixing. No one likes a lumpy cheese ball!
• Feel free to adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer jalapeños. Got a friend who’s a spice wuss? No problem!
• Consider adding other mix-ins like chopped bell peppers or different cheeses for a tasty twist.

Variation

Want to switch things up? Try using different cheese varieties or even add a little bit of ranch seasoning for that extra zing! You could also shape it into a different sports ball if you’re feeling adventurous. Soccer ball, anyone? ⚽️

FAQs

1. Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make it up to a day in advance. Just keep it wrapped and in the fridge till game day.

2. What can I serve with it?
Crackers, tortilla chips, veggies, or even some sliced baguette work perfectly. Just think crunchy and dippable!

3. Is it spicy?
It can be! If you’re cautious about the heat, start with fewer jalapeños and taste the mixture before adding more. Spice levels are totally customizable!

Now you’re ready to rock that Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball at your next gathering. Get ready for the compliments to roll in! 🎉

Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball

A fun and delicious cheese ball shaped like a football, packed with the flavors of creamy cheeses and spicy jalapeños, perfect for parties or game nights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cheese Ball Ingredients

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded Plus extra for the laces.
• ½ cup pickled jalapeños, chopped
• 1 fresh jalapeño, deseeded & finely diced Adjust spiciness as desired.
• ¼ cup green onion, sliced Use both green & white parts.
• 8-10 slices bacon, cooked & cooled Reserve half for the coating.
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ cup pecans, finely chopped For the outer coating.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Mix the chopped pecans, fresh jalapeño, and half of your cooked bacon together in a bowl, then set it aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Monterey jack cheese, pickled jalapeños, green onion, garlic powder, and the remaining bacon.
3. Roll the mixture into a big ball and shape it into a football.
4. Sprinkle the pecan coating over the cheese ball, pressing it slightly to ensure it sticks.
5. Cut one long strip and four smaller strips from the leftover Monterey jack cheese, and arrange them on top of your cheese ball to create the laces.

Serving

1. Serve immediately with your favorite crackers or chips.

Notes

If you have leftovers, wrap the cheese ball tightly and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Ensure it's well-covered to prevent drying out. Adjust spice levels by varying jalapeño amounts.