INTRODUCTION
This Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball is a fun and spicy snack. It looks like a small football and it tastes like classic jalapeño poppers. You can make it in a short time with simple ingredients. It is a good choice for game day, parties, or a casual snack. If you like warm, cheesy bowls or party dips, you might also enjoy a simple cheesy broccoli and cauliflower soup to serve nearby.
This recipe uses cream cheese, cheddar, jalapeños, and a crunchy crumb coating. It fits a tray of crackers and raw veggies. Kids and adults can both enjoy it. It looks special, but it is easy to make. Read on to learn why you will love it and how to make it step by step.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe for many simple reasons.
- It is quick to make. You only need simple mixing and shaping steps.
- It is full of flavor. The cream cheese and cheddar give a rich base. Jalapeños add a bright heat.
- It looks fun. Shaping the ball like a football makes it a hit at game day.
- It is easy to change. You can make it milder or hotter with small swaps.
- It works with many dippers. Crackers, chips, and veggies all pair well.
This cheese ball is not fussy. You can make it a day ahead. You can also make it a little ahead and keep it chilled. It is a great choice when you want a tasty snack that looks made with care.
HOW TO MAKE Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball
Make the cheese ball in a few clear steps. First, you mix the soft ingredients with the spices. Next, shape the mix into a football. Chill it to firm up. Then press it into the crushed crackers so it gets a crunchy coat. Add small decorations, like sliced jalapeños or green onion, to give it the football look.
If you make party food often, you may like other easy and hearty dishes too, such as a slow cooker option like the slow cooker white chicken chili with cream cheese. That dish also pairs well with a bowl of crackers and a cheese ball on the side.
You do not need to be an expert cook. The recipe uses plain cooking skills. Mix, shape, chill, and coat. That is all.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large mixing bowl
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap
- Plate or shallow dish for crackers
- Knife for slicing jalapeños and green onions
- Serving plate
These tools are common in most kitchens. You can use a food processor to make the mix smoother, but it is not needed. A simple bowl and spoon will work fine.
Ingredients You’ll Need :
8 oz cream cheese, softened, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled), 1/2 cup diced green onions, 1 cup crushed crackers, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, jalapeños, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended., 2. Shape the mixture into a football shape and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up., 3. Once firm, remove from plastic wrap and roll the cheese ball in crushed crackers to coat., 4. Decorate with additional sliced jalapeños or green onions if desired., 5. Serve with crackers or vegetables for dipping.
HOW TO SERVE Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball
Place the cheese ball on a flat serving plate. Add crackers and raw vegetable sticks around it. You can add tortilla chips for a different texture. Use small bowls for extra jalapeños or pickles on the side. A small knife or spreader helps guests put the cheese on their crackers.
For a fun touch, use small pretzel sticks to make the laces on the football. Or slice white cheese into thin strips and lay them on top to look like the football stitching. Keep extra napkins nearby because this cheese is rich and tasty.
If you want a mix of sweet and savory, serve small bowls of fruit like grapes or apple slices nearby. This adds a fresh contrast to the creamy, spicy flavors. You might also enjoy pairing it with a savory holiday bite like the cranberry meatballs for the holidays at a party with many dishes.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball
To store in the fridge:
- Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container.
- It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Keep crackers and fresh dippers separate until serving to keep them crisp.
To freeze:
- Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling in crackers and serving.
- Note: The texture may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor stays good.
Always chill the cheese ball well before serving. Chilling helps it hold its shape and makes it easier to cut or spread.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Crackers: plain or flavored water crackers, buttery crackers, or multigrain.
- Chips: tortilla chips or kettle chips for a crunch.
- Veggies: carrot sticks, celery, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips.
- Bread: small toast rounds or bagel chips.
- Add a side of ranch, sour cream, or extra chopped jalapeños for guests who like more heat.
Arrange the plate with contrasting colors. Bright veggies make the plate look fresh. Stack crackers on one side and place the cheese ball in the center for a neat look.
VARIATIONS
- Milder: Use milder peppers or remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeños.
- Hotter: Add more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Bacon version: Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky touch.
- Herb twist: Add chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh lift.
- Different cheese: Try pepper jack or smoked cheddar instead of regular cheddar.
- Nutty crunch: Roll the ball in chopped nuts instead of crackers for a richer texture.
These swaps let you match the cheese ball to your taste or the tastes of your guests. Keep the base amounts the same and adjust the mix-in amounts to taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this less spicy?
A: Yes. Remove the seeds from the jalapeños or use mild peppers. You can also reduce the amount of jalapeños.
Q: Can I use pickled jalapeños?
A: Yes. Pickled jalapeños add a tangy taste. Drain them well before dicing.
Q: How long does it take to chill?
A: Chill for at least 2 hours. Cooling longer will make it firmer and easier to roll in crackers.
Q: Can I shape this without refrigerating first?
A: You can shape it right away, but it will be soft. Chilling helps it hold the football shape and makes it easier to coat.
Q: Can I prepare parts ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can mix the filling and store it in the fridge for a day. Shape and roll it when ready to serve.
Q: Is it safe to freeze with fresh toppings?
A: Avoid freezing with fresh sliced toppings. Freeze only the plain shaped ball, then add fresh slices after thawing.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball
Make the cheese mix a day before. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you are ready to serve, shape it into a football, chill for two hours, and then coat with crushed crackers. This step keeps the crackers crisp and the ball fresh.
If you need to save time on the day of the event, form the ball and chill it overnight. Remove it from the fridge an hour before serving so it is spreadable. Add final decorations right before guests arrive.
For large parties, make two or three smaller footballs instead of one big one. This helps with serving and keeps each ball firm.
Conclusion
This Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball is a simple way to bring bold flavor and a fun shape to any party. For another take on this idea, see the original presentation of the recipe on Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball – Peas and Crayons. You can also find a similar version with tips and photos at Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball – Kalefornia Kravings. For an archived collection or alternate listing, view the recipe on Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball | Punchfork.
Jalapeño Popper Football Cheese Ball
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, jalapeños, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Shape the mixture into a football shape and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
- Once firm, remove from plastic wrap and roll the cheese ball in crushed crackers to coat.
- Decorate with additional sliced jalapeños or green onions if desired.
- Serve with crackers or vegetables for dipping.