Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball

Servings

Font

Images Notes Nutrition

5 from 147 votes

The Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball is a shaped blend of cream cheese, cheddar, pickled jalapeños, garlic powder, and green onions. Formed into a football shape and chilled, it is coated with crispy bacon and panko breadcrumbs for a textured, savory appetizer with mild to medium heat personality.

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

2 mins

Total Time

17 mins

Servings: 30 servings

Calories: 95 kcal

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

16 oz cream cheese softened
8 oz cheddar cheese sharp, grated/shredded
1/4-1/3 cup green onion divided, chopped
½ cup jalapeño peppers extra as desired, diced, pickled
½ tsp garlic powder
pinch salt
3 lices Bacon
⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
2-3 TBSP parsley fresh
2-3 jalapeño peppers approx. 1/4 cup finely chopped, fresh
1 lice mozzarella cheese or white cheddar cheese

Instructions

Cup of Yum

In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cheddar, pickled jalapeño, garlic powder, salt and around 2-3 TBSP chopped green onion.
Using a hand mixer or a fork and some elbow grease (my method of choice), mix well.
Use a silicone spatula to scoop out the cheese mixture and shape into a ball with your hands.
Place on a sheet of parchment paper or a cutting board and flatten the top of the ball, pinching and shaping it into a football. You'll want to press down on the middle and sort of pinch the sides while you press it into an edible football. I promise it's super duper easy, relive those play dough days and have fun with it!
If cheese ball is too soft, cover with plastic and pop it in the fridge for 15-60 min. Mine was still firm yet soft enough to coat with toppings after 15 minutes so I went with it.
While your cheese ball chills, chop the bacon into pieces and cook until crispy in a hot pan or skillet.
Remove bacon from pan and wipe clean, leaving a teeny bit of the bacon grease behind. Add your panko and lightly toast it, stirring frequently for about a minute or two until golden.
Remove the seeds, veins, and stem from your jalapeño and finely chop/mince.
Sprinkle/cover your cheese ball with panko, the remaining green onion, parsley, fresh jalapeño, and bacon and press firmly into the cheeseball to coat.
For the laces, snag a slice of mozzarella cheese (or any cheese really!) and use a sharp knife to cut it into thin slices. Cut one long slice for the center of the football and smaller slices for the laces. Place the long slice horizontally along the center of the football, then arrange the small slices horizontally on top. Again, super simple and you can basically use any cheese you'd like, if needed!
Add all your favorite dippers from the list above and dig in!
Leftovers taste deeeeeelicious spread on pretty much everything in sight the following day, especially buttery whole grain ritz crackers!
Enjoy!

Notes

If cream cheese is too firm, soften quickly by microwaving for 30 seconds on high.
Adjust jalapeño quantity to control spice level, adding hot sauce or red pepper flakes for more heat if desired.
Parsley garnish is optional and can be omitted if unavailable.
This cheese ball pairs well with a variety of dippers including pretzels, fresh vegetables, apple slices, and crackers.
For dietary modifications, consider gluten-free or vegetarian ingredient swaps as needed.

Nutrition Information

Calories 95kcal (5%) Carbohydrates 2g (1%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 9g (14%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Cholesterol 26mg (9%) Sodium 153mg (6%) Potassium 44mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 357IU (7%) Vitamin C 2mg (2%) Calcium 72mg (7%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 30 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 95

% Daily Value*

Calories	95kcal	5%
Carbohydrates	2g	1%
Protein	3g	6%
Fat	9g	14%
Saturated Fat	5g	25%
Cholesterol	26mg	9%
Sodium	153mg	6%
Potassium	44mg	1%
Fiber	1g	4%
Sugar	1g	2%
Vitamin A	357IU	7%
Vitamin C	2mg	2%
Calcium	72mg	7%
Iron	1mg	6%

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