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Easy Bacon Football Cheese Ball Recipe

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This easy bacon football cheese ball is the perfect game day appetizer. Creamy, crunchy, and shaped like a football, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 8 strips)
  • 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped
  • Additional bacon bits for decoration
  • Crackers or vegetables for serving

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Take it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before starting. If in a hurry, cut into cubes and let sit for 15 minutes. Do not microwave.
  2. Cook the bacon: Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Let cool completely, then crumble into small pieces. Set aside about 2 tablespoons for the laces decoration.
  3. Shred the cheddar cheese: Grate from a block using the large holes of a box grater to get about 1 cup packed.
  4. Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides.
  5. Add the flavorings: Add shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon (except reserved bits), green onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Chill the mixture: Scrape onto a large piece of plastic wrap, shape into a rough ball, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
  7. Shape the football: Unwrap the chilled mixture and place on parchment paper. Shape into a football form about 7 inches long and 4 inches wide at the center.
  8. Add the coating: Spread chopped pecans on a flat plate. Gently roll the football-shaped cheese ball in the pecans, pressing lightly so they stick. Cover entire surface except for the laces area.
  9. Create the laces: Arrange reserved bacon bits in two parallel lines down the center with small perpendicular pieces to look like laces. Use the tip of a knife to gently press them into the cheese.
  10. Final chill: Place the finished cheese ball back in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip the softening step for cream cheese. Toast pecans at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for extra flavor. Wet your hands slightly when shaping to prevent sticking. Make ahead up to 5 days; add pecan coating just before serving. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheese ball, bacon, football, game day, Super Bowl, appetizer, party food

Find it online: https://cravemila.com/easy-bacon-football-cheese-ball-recipe/