Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball

introduction

This Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball is a spicy, cheesy snack shaped like a football. It is easy to make and good for game day or parties. If you like a mix of cream cheese and bacon, you will enjoy this. For a sweet snack idea to serve beside it, try blueberry cheesecake protein balls.

why make this recipe

You make this recipe because it is quick and feels special. It tastes like jalapeño poppers but is easier to share. It needs simple ingredients and few steps. Kids and adults both like it.

how to make Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball

1. Mix the cream cheese, cheddar, jalapeños, bacon, green onions, and garlic powder in a bowl until smooth.
2. Shape the mixture into a football. Wrap it in plastic.
3. Chill it for at least 2 hours so it firms up.
4. Roll the chilled ball in crushed ranch crackers to coat it.
5. Add the cracker coating evenly. Serve with pretzels or crackers.

Ingredients :

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup crushed ranch-flavored crackers
• Optional: pretzels or additional crackers for serving

Directions :

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, crumbled bacon, green onions, and garlic powder.
2. Mix until well combined and smooth.
3. Shape the mixture into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
5. Once set, roll the cheese ball in crushed ranch-flavored crackers until evenly coated.
6. Serve with pretzels or crackers, and enjoy!

how to serve Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball

Place the cheese ball on a platter. Use pretzels, crackers, or sliced veggies for dipping. Add small bowls of extra jalapeños or ranch for guests who want more spice or cool dip. Serve at room temperature so it is easy to scoop.

how to store Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball

Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap. Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap it well and put it in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

tips to make Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball

• Soften the cream cheese first to make mixing easy.
• Taste the mix before shaping. Add more jalapeño if you want it hotter.
• Chill fully so it holds the football shape.
• Crush the crackers finely for an even coating.
• Use gloves when handling hot jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.

variation (if any)

• Make it milder: use fewer jalapeños or pickled jalapeños.
• Add herbs: mix in chopped cilantro or parsley.
• Make it cheesy: add extra cheddar or pepper jack.
• Use different coatings: crushed pretzels, cornflakes, or panko.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh jalapeños instead of pickled?
A: Yes. Fresh jalapeños give more heat and crunch. Remove seeds to make it milder.

Q: How long ahead can I make this?
A: Make it a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. The flavors improve after a few hours.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes. Skip the bacon and add extra cheese or smoked paprika for a smoky taste.

Q: Is this safe to leave out at a party?
A: Do not leave it out more than two hours. After that, keep it chilled.

Q: Can I make mini cheese balls instead?
A: Yes. Make small balls for individual servings and roll them in the cracker mix.

Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball

• Author: arianarecipes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 135 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Mixing, Chilling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian (can be made non-vegetarian with bacon)

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

A spicy, cheesy snack shaped like a football, perfect for game day or parties.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup crushed ranch-flavored crackers
• Optional: pretzels or additional crackers for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, crumbled bacon, green onions, and garlic powder.
2. Mix until well combined and smooth.
3. Shape the mixture into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
5. Once set, roll the cheese ball in crushed ranch-flavored crackers until evenly coated.
6. Serve with pretzels or crackers, and enjoy!

---

Notes

Serve at room temperature for easy scooping. Wrap tightly for storage.

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 30mg