Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball for Easy Game Day Entertaining

Close-up of a Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball shaped like a football with cheese football "laces" showing bacon, jalapeños, and creamy cheese

Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball for Easy Game Day Entertaining

Score big with this jalapeño popper cheese ball. Made with crispy bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeños for just a hint of heat, this irresistible party appetizer is perfect for game day and always a crowd favorite.

Prep Time30

Chill Time2

Total Time2 30

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Bacon, Cheese Ball, Jalapeño

Servings:

Equipment

Ingredients

16 ounces cream cheese softened
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded (plus some extra to make the football laces)
3 fresh jalapenos deseeded and finely diced; divided
¼ cup green onion chopped (optional)
8-10 slices of cooked bacon crumbled; divided
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon season salt
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ cup pecans finely chopped

Instructions

Cook bacon until crispy, drain, crumble, and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and shredded cheeses. Add half the jalapenos and bacon, plus seasonings, and mix until combined.
Form into a football shape using plastic wrap and chill 2 hours.
Mix remaining jalapenos, bacon, and pecans; press onto chilled cheese ball.
Cut thin strips of Monterey Jack cheese for laces and place on top.
Serve with your favorite crackers or chips and enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.

This cheese ball can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Add the bacon, nut coating, and cheese laces just before serving for the best freshness.

For easier spreading, remove from the refrigerator 10–15 minutes before serving.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–5 days. The bacon and nuts may lose some of their crunch after a few days, but the cheese ball is still safe to eat.

Nutrition