This Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball is always a hit when game day rolls around. It’s creamy, cheesy, a little spicy, and shaped like a football—which makes it perfect for your snack table.
I’ve made this one more times than I can count for parties, and it disappears every time. It’s way easier than it looks, and the flavor is insane.
Why I Love This Recipe
This cheese ball has everything I love in one bite—creamy cheese, the smoky crunch of bacon, a tiny kick of heat from the jalapeños, and that perfect mix of textures.
- It looks super fun and festive on the table
- You can make it ahead (huge bonus)
- Easy to tweak based on what’s in your fridge
- Goes with crackers, pretzels, or veggies
- Always a crowd-pleaser
I brought this to a Super Bowl party one year and watched full-grown adults hover over it like it was the main course. Nobody touched the wings until this was gone.
Servings: 10-12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
What You’ll Need
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits (plus more for topping)
- 1/4 cup finely diced pickled jalapeños
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 green onions, finely sliced (for topping)
- 1 string cheese (for the football laces)
- Crackers and sliced veggies for serving
Pro Tips
- Use room temperature cream cheese—makes mixing 10x easier
- Pat the jalapeños and onions dry so your cheese ball doesn’t get watery
- Chill the ball for at least an hour so it holds its shape
- Use food-safe gloves when forming the football if you don’t want sticky hands
- Make the laces with string cheese for an easy, clean look
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Silicone spatula or spoon
- Plastic wrap
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Plate or platter for serving
Substitutions and Variations
- Not a fan of spice? Use green bell pepper instead of jalapeños
- No cheddar? Try pepper jack, mozzarella, or colby
- No bacon? Use real bacon bits or even turkey bacon
- Add-ins: A little ranch seasoning adds a twist
Make Ahead Tips
Make the cheese ball up to 2 days ahead. Just keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge. Add the bacon and green onion topping the day you serve for best crunch.
Recipe + Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Base
Add to a large mixing bowl:
- 16 oz softened cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely diced pickled jalapeños
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Use a spoon or silicone spatula to mix everything until smooth and evenly combined.
Step 2: Fold in the Bacon
Add 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits to the cheese mixture and fold them in gently until they’re spread out evenly.
Step 3: Shape the Football
Scoop the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Use the wrap to help shape it into a football shape—rounded ends and a bit flatter in the center.
Wrap it up tight and place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour to firm up. Then Use 1 string cheese to make the football laces: cut into thin strips and lay across the top.
Step 4: Decorate the Cheese Ball
Unwrap the chilled football and place it on your serving plate. Press more cooked bacon bits onto the outside to coat it. Sprinkle sliced green onion all over the top for color.
Leftovers and Storage
Wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. The outer toppings may get a little soft, but the flavor stays great. Not ideal for freezing.
Macros Information (Per Serving – based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fiber: <1g
- Sugar: 1g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Cream cheese acts as a base that holds everything together while adding that signature creamy texture. Cheddar gives a sharper flavor and more body. The saltiness from bacon and heat from the jalapeños balance the richness of the cheese, and chilling allows everything to firm up so you can shape and slice it easily.
Common Mistakes
- Not softening the cream cheese: makes it nearly impossible to mix
- Adding too much liquid from the jalapeños or onions: the cheese ball won’t hold its shape
- Skipping the chill time: the shape will collapse when you decorate
- Not enough bacon coating: you want it fully covered for best texture and flavor
What to Serve With
- Ritz or buttery crackers
- Pretzel thins
- Celery and carrot sticks
- Sliced cucumbers
- Mini bell pepper halves
- Pita chips
FAQ
Can I make this spicy?
Yes! Use fresh jalapeños or add crushed red pepper for more heat.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Sure, just skip the bacon or use a vegetarian alternative.
How long does it keep?
Up to 4 days in the fridge when stored properly.
Can I freeze it?
Not recommended. The texture won’t be the same after thawing.
Final Thoughts
This Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball is the MVP of any party spread. It’s simple, flavorful, and fun to serve. I hope you give it a try and make it your new party favorite. Let me know how it turned out and drop any questions or tweaks you tried—I’d love to hear from you!