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4.9 from 24 votes

Football Cheese Ball

This football cheese ball with bacon is, well, exactly what the title proclaims. A cheese ball in the shape of a football. Made with both Cheddar and cream cheese as well as jalapeño and, yes, bacon. Perfect for Super Bowl.

Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
2 hrs 25 mins
Total Time
2 hrs 40 mins
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 247 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds sliced bacon
  • 1 to 2 medium jalapeños seeded and finely chopped (if you want extra heat, retain some of the seeds)
  • 16 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
  • 1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese plus more for garnish
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped scallions light green and white parts
  • crackers for serving

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Rev up the oven to 400°F (204°C).
  2. Place the bacon slices in a single layer on 2 rimmed baking sheets lined with foil. Bake until crisp, about 15 minutes. Drain the bacon on paper towels. Spoon 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings into a skillet and reserve the rest of the drippings for another use. Once the bacon has cooled, coarsely chop it.
  3. Heat the bacon drippings in the skillet over medium heat. Add the jalapeño and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Using a stand mixer or a bowl and a spatula, mix together 1 cup chopped bacon, the sautéed jalapeño, the cream cheese, Cheddar, and the scallions until combined. Scrape the mixture onto a large sheet of plastic wrap and, using the plastic wrap to keep your hands from getting messy, shape the mixture into a round ball. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to overnight.
  5. Just before serving, with the cheese ball still wrapped in plastic, form it into an oblong football shape as best you can. Unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the remaining chopped bacon to coat it completely. Strategically place a few strands of Cheddar cheese on the football to resemble laces. Serve with crackers and be ready for cheers.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1portion Calories 247kcal (12%) Carbohydrates 2g (1%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 24g (37%) Saturated Fat 12g (60%) Monounsaturated Fat 7g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 64mg (21%) Sodium 305mg (13%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 247

% Daily Value*

Serving 1portion
Calories 247kcal 12%
Carbohydrates 2g 1%
Protein 7g 14%
Fat 24g 37%
Saturated Fat 12g 60%
Monounsaturated Fat 7g 35%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 64mg 21%
Sodium 305mg 13%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.