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Football Cheese Ball

This football cheese ball is the ultimate game-day appetizer! A creamy blend of cheddar, jalapeño and ranch seasoning is shaped into a football, coated in crispy bacon and pecans and topped with cheesy laces. Serve with crackers or pretzels for a fun, flavorful snack that’s perfect for any crowd!

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Football Cheese Ball
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 fresh jalapeño, finely diced
  • ¼ cup chopped green onion
  • 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped and divided
  • 1 ounce ranch seasoning (about 1 packet)
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans
  • 3 slices white cheddar or American cheese (for decoration)
  • Crackers and pretzels, for dipping
  • Prep Time
    15 min
  • Cook Time
    6 hr (chill time)
  • Servings
    20

Directions:

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeño, chopped green onion, ½ cup of the chopped bacon, ranch seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until well blended.
  • Place a sheet of plastic wrap on a cutting board. Transfer the cheese mixture onto the wrap, then use your hands to shape it into a football.
  • Wrap the cheese ball tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to firm up.
  • Before serving, mix the remaining ½ cup of chopped bacon with the chopped pecans on a plate.
  • Unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the bacon-pecan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  • Cut the cheese slices into thin strips, then arrange them on top to resemble football laces.
  • Serve with crackers and pretzels for dipping.

Recipe by Dairy West's Heidi Martin

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