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A delicious plate of Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball

Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball

This fun and festive Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball is perfect for game day gatherings and can be customized with your favorite toppings!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 95
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 450 g cream cheese softened
  • 227 g grated/shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 60 g chopped green onion divided
  • 120 g diced pickled jalapeños extra as desired
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 3 slices bacon
  • 40 g panko breadcrumbs
  • 30 g fresh parsley chopped
  • 30 g fresh jalapeños approx. 1/4 cup finely chopped
  • 1 slice mozzarella or white cheddar cheese

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cheddar, pickled jalapeño, garlic powder, salt and around 2-3 TBSP chopped green onion.
  2. Using a hand mixer or a fork and some elbow grease, mix well.
  3. Shape the cheese mixture into a ball with your hands.
  4. Flatten the top of the ball, pinching and shaping it into a football.
  5. If the cheese ball is too soft, refrigerate for 15-60 minutes.
  6. Chop the bacon into pieces and cook until crispy.
  7. Remove bacon from pan and toast panko in a bit of bacon grease until golden.
  8. Remove seeds and finely chop/mince fresh jalapeños.
  9. Coat the cheese ball with panko, remaining green onion, parsley, fresh jalapeño, and bacon.
  10. Cut mozzarella cheese into thin slices for the laces and place them on the cheese ball.
  11. Serve with your favorite dippers and enjoy!

Notes

This cheese ball can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. It's great with crackers or veggies for dipping!