Description
This Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball is the ultimate party appetizer, perfect for game day! It’s a delicious combination of creamy cheeses, spicy jalapeños, crispy bacon, and crunchy pecans, all shaped like a football and decorated with Monterey jack cheese “laces.” Serve with crackers or chips for a crowd-pleasing snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded (plus extra to make the “laces”)
- 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped
- 1 fresh jalapeño, deseeded & finely diced
- 1/4 cup green onion, sliced (green & white parts)
- 8–10 slices of bacon, cooked & cooled
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together chopped pecans, fresh jalapeño, and half of the cooked bacon. Set aside for the outer coating.
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Monterey jack cheese, pickled jalapeños, green onion, garlic powder, and the remaining bacon.
- Roll the cheese mixture into a ball and form it into a football shape on a tray.
- Sprinkle the pecan and bacon coating over the cheese ball, pressing it gently to stick.
- Cut one long strip and 4 smaller strips of leftover Monterey jack cheese. Lay them on top of the cheese ball to create the “laces.” Press them down slightly to ensure they stick.
- Serve immediately with crackers or chips.
Notes
- For an extra crispy touch, use more bacon for the coating or substitute with a bit of crispy fried onions.
- You can make this cheese ball ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American