Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball is a fun and tasty addition to any gathering! It’s creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of spicy. The bacon adds a savory crunch, making it a crowd-pleaser at parties, game day, or family get-togethers. Plus, it’s super easy to make and looks impressive on the table!

How To Make Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced jalapeños (canned or fresh)
• 1/2 cup crumbled bacon
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1 cup crushed crackers (for coating)
• 1/4 cup chopped chives (for garnish)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, bacon, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
2. Shape the mixture into a football shape and cover with crushed crackers.
3. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
4. Before serving, garnish with chopped chives to resemble laces.
5. Serve with additional crackers or veggies for dipping.

What Type of Ingredients Should I Use

When making the Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball, quality matters! Choose fresh cream cheese and cheddar cheese for the best flavor. If you’re using fresh jalapeños, look for firm ones with smooth skin. For canned jalapeños, choose a brand with simple ingredients. Make sure to drain and pat any canned ingredients dry so your cheese ball doesn’t become too watery. Fresh herbs like chives should be vibrant and crisp.

How To Serve Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball

Serve this cheese ball with a spread of crackers, sliced vegetables, and some breadsticks for dipping. It’s great to have a variety of options for everyone to enjoy!

How To Store Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you make it ahead of time, keep it covered and chill until ready to serve.

Helpful Tip to Make Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball

If you want a little more spice, feel free to add extra chopped jalapeños or even a dash of hot sauce into the mixture. You can also mix in some shredded pepper jack cheese for added flavor!

Variations

You can customize this recipe by adding different cheeses or incorporating diced green onions for extra flavor. If you’re not a fan of bacon, try adding cooked sausage or leaving it out altogether!

FAQs

Can I freeze the Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container. Thaw it in the fridge before serving.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese will work well in this recipe, but the texture may be slightly different.

What can I use instead of chives for garnish?
If you don’t have chives, you can use green onions or parsley for garnish. They will still look great and add some color!

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