Score a flavor touchdown at your game day party with this irresistible football jalapeño popper cheese ball recipe.
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Easy Game Day Appetizer: Football Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball
Kick off the festivities at your Super Bowl watch party or backyard tailgate with this crowd-pleasing appetizer.
With a winning combination of creamy cheese, diced jalapeño, and bacon, this football-shaped cheese ball is the ultimate easy game day appetizer.
Get ready to huddle around the table (or the TV!) for a game day snack that’s as delicious as it is festive.
So join me in the kitchen to whip up this easy jalapeño popper cheese ball recipe.
Ingredients for Football Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (plus some extra to make the football laces)
- 3 fresh jalapeños, deseeded and finely diced; divided
- 1/4 cup green onion, chopped (optional)
- 8-10 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled; divided
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon season salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
*Note: I’ve made this cheese ball with and without green onions. Personally, I enjoy it both ways, but my husband prefers it without.
Instructions for Football Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball
Step 1: Cook Your Bacon
Use a microwavable bacon grill to cook your bacon until it is crispy. (This typically takes around 4 to 6 minutes depending on your microwave’s wattage)
Once your bacon is cooked, carefully remove the grilling tray from the microwave and place your bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess grease.
After it cools, crumble your bacon and set it aside while you mix up your cheese ball.
Step 2: Mix Your Cheese Ball
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded Monterey jack cheese.
Then stir in the chopped green onions, minced garlic, season salt, ground cumin, Worcestershire sauce, half of the diced jalapenos, and half of the cooked and crumbled bacon.
Use a rubber spatula or an electric handheld mixer to blend all the ingredients until well combined.
Step 3: Form Your Football Shape
Place a large piece of plastic wrap on your counter or a clean cutting board.
Scoop the cream cheese mixture onto the plastic wrap.
Then lift the two long sides of the plastic wrap to cover the jalapeño popper cheese ball, then gently mold it into a football shape.
As you shape the football, simply fold in the short sides of the plastic until the cheese ball is fully covered.
Place the football-shaped cheese ball on a plate.
Then place your cheese ball in the refrigerator to chill for two hours.
Step 4: Cover Your Cheese Ball with the Coating
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the other half of the diced jalapeños, crumbled bacon, and the chopped pecans.
Pour the mixture on the bottom of your serving tray.
Carefully remove the plastic wrap from your football cheese ball and place it on top of the coating.
Using your hands, gently press the mixture onto your jalapeño popper cheese ball, completely coating the outside.
Step 5: Make Your Football “Laces”
Using a sharp knife, cut long, thin slices of Monterey Jack cheese to create the laces of the football.
Arrange the cheese strips on top of your cheese ball to resemble football laces.
And you’re done!
You can dive into your football jalapeño popper cheese ball immediately, or carefully cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
What to Serve with Your Cheese Ball
Usually, I like to serve my cheese balls with different types of crackers, but, if you want to mix things up a bit, you can also try these crunchy and tasty options:
- Crostini: Homemade or store-bought crostinis offer a rustic and more upscale dipping option.
- Pretzels: Mini pretzels or pretzel crisps provide a salty and crunchy contrast to the creamy cheese ball.
- Bagel Chips: Bagel chips are another crunchy bite-sized snack that’s perfect for dipping.
- Pita Chips: Toasted pita chips, either plain or seasoned, are an excellent choice and ideal for scooping.
When to Serve a Cheese Ball
Casual get-togethers: Serve it at gatherings like backyard barbecues or even potluck parties.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making a Cheese Ball
Q: How should I store my leftover cheese ball?
A: If you have any cheese ball left over, just remove it from your serving tray and place it in an air-tight food storage container.
You can keep it chilled in the fridge for 3-5 days.
(Although experience tells me it won’t last that long!)
Q: Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the cheese ball a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just add the cheese laces right before serving for the perfect finishing touch.
More Big Game Eats from Midwest Life and Style
If you love this cheese ball recipe, you might also enjoy some of my other favorite cheese ball appetizers.
Shop The Post
Want to recreate this look at home? I’ve linked all the finds I used in this post below! Please note, that sometimes things sell out quickly, so if something isn’t available anymore, I’ve linked a similar item that you might love just as much. Happy shopping!
Mixing bowls / Electric handheld mixer / Rubber spatula / Cutting board / Paring knife / Jalapeño pepper corer / Measuring cups / Measuring spoons / Microwavable bacon grill / Serving Tray
And that’s it. This jalapeño popper cheese ball recipe is so easy to make and soooo good. I guarantee once you start snacking on it you won’t be able to stop!
As always, feel free to leave any questions or comments below, and don’t forget to pin this post to save it for later.
And, if you try this recipe, remember to leave your feedback by leaving a rating on the recipe card below to let other readers know what you think.
You can also check out more great game day appetizer recipes here.
Cheers!
Recipe for Football Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball
Fall Caramel Apple Sangria
Ingredients
- 5 cups apple cider
- ¼ cup caramel sauce
- 1 bottle white wine (Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay are all great choices.) (750 ml)
- 1 cup caramel vodka*
- 3 large Gala or Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
- 2 large Granny Smith apples, thinly sliced
- springs of fresh rosemary to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pitcher or drink dispenser, pour in one bottle of white wine. Next, pour in 5 cups of apple cider and 1 cup of caramel vodka.
- Add in 1/4 cup of caramel sauce and stir until it’s fully dissolved into the sangria mix.
- Next, wash, core, and cut your apples into thin slices. Add the apples to the pitcher of sangria.
- Stir everything together and chill in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours.
- Pour it into some cocktail glasses, garnish with a spring of fresh rosemary, and additional slices of fresh apples. Then serve and enjoy!
Notes
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Oh my gosh! Your cheese balls look incredible! Can’t wait to make the football one tomorrow for the AZ Cardinals game and the pumpkin one for entertaining next month.
I’m a new subscriber and I’m really enjoying visiting your site. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Jan! Thanks so much for stopping by and I’m so glad to have you as a member of the community. Cheese balls are one of my favorite appetizers. They are so versatile and perfect for a party. Enjoy!