Football Cheese Ball Recipe

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This Football Cheese Ball recipe is so much fun, and the perfect appetizer for game day. We love this cheese ball recipe regular, but in the shape of a football it makes for a fun presentation. If you are having a Super Bowl party this year- you are going to want to make this! The great part about this cheese ball is that you can take the base- the cheese, cream cheese, bacon, pecans, etc… and customize your spices and flavors.

Why we love this recipe-

• The football shape makes this cheese football perfect for football season or the big game.
• This cheese ball recipe is so simple, and makes for a delicious appetizer, no matter how it is shaped.
• These are one of my favorite appetizers. They’re such an easy appetizer to make, and everyone loves a good cheese ball. You’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.
• You don’t have to have the perfect football shape for this, as long as it is an oval shape, it will still look great.

Football Cheese Ball Ingredients:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (you can keep it easy- we used pre-shredded cheese, or you can shred your own cheese)
• 1 (1 oz.) packet of ranch dressing mix seasoning
• ¼ cup green onions, chopped
• 1 cup cooked, chopped bacon, divided (you can also use bacon bits or precooked bacon pieces)
• ⅓ cup chopped pecans
• 1 fresh jalapeno, finely diced
• 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 3 slices white cheddar cheese (or a block of white cheddar cheese, if you can’t find slices)
• Veggies, crackers and pretzels for dipping- we love celery sticks, carrot sticks, pita chips, club crackers, ritz crackers, etc… pretzel chips are great, too!

Directions:

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, green onion, ½ cup chopped bacon, jalapeno, and Worcestershire sauce. Fold all of the ingredients together until well combined and everything is evenly distributed.

Step 2: Form the mixture into a ball.

Step 3: Place the cheeseball on a cutting board and shape into a football shape, or an oval with pointed ends.

Step 4: Wrap the cream cheese ball into a large piece of plastic wrap, and refrigerate at least 6 hours, or over night.

Step 5: Before serving, combine ½ cup bacon and pecans and sprinkle into an even layer on a plate.

Step 6: Roll the cheese ball into the bacon and pecan mixture. 

Step 7: Cut out a thick strip of the white cheddar cheese, plus a few smaller strips to make the football laces. Add them to the top of the football.

Serve & enjoy!

Tip & Tricks:

• If you have a stand mixer, you can mix this up with your paddle attachment and it really doesn’t get any easier.
• For a spicier cheese ball, add some hot sauce to the recipe.
• Customize to your liking by using your favorite crackers and veggies for dipping.
• I would not use microwavable bacon for this recipe. You’ll need some sturdy, but crispy pieces. Pre made bacon bits or pieces work great, or cook up some fresh, thick-cut bacon and chop it up well.

Include this football cheeseball in your next game-day party spread, and everyone will be asking how you made it!

Get the full recipe on our printable recipe card, below.

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