Football Cheese Ball Recipe
These bite-sized football-shaped cheeseballs are loaded with sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and ranch seasoning for the perfect game day snack. Easy to prep and full of flavor, they’re fun to serve and even easier to eat.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces brick-style cream cheese softened (2 blocks)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese finely shredded
- ¾ cup cooked bacon finely chopped (divided)
- ½ cup toasted pecans finely chopped
- 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons chives finely chopped
- 1½ teaspoons hot sauce optional (I used Frank's Red Hot)
- 1 slice white cheese cut into very thin strips (I used mozzarella)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, ranch seasoning, chopped chives, hot sauce (if using), and ¼ cup of the cooked bacon until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate the cheese mixture for 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
- Use a 1-tablespoon scoop to portion the mixture, then shape each scoop into a small football with your hands.
- In a shallow dish, combine the toasted pecans and the remaining ½ cup of chopped bacon.
- Roll each cheeseball in the pecan-bacon mixture to coat evenly.
- Add football laces on top using thin strips of white cheese.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Skip the pecans and use crushed pretzels or more bacon instead for a crunchy, nut-free coating.
- Store the cheeseballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- The cheeseballs can be made and shaped ahead of time, then garnished with the laces just before serving for the best presentation.
Nutrition
Calories: 76kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 5gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.004gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 283mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 98IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 113mgIron: 0.1mg
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated based on automated calculations and should be considered as an approximation. These estimates are provided as a courtesy. Please use your own brand's nutritional values to verify accuracy.
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