Super Bowl ends the football season finally! I say that because when I watch football I pay more attention to the uniforms and hair, than the score and the moves (or do they call them plays?). Just tell me what color jersey I need to be rooting for and I’m good.
So when hubby invited a few friends over to watch the Super Bowl game I had to figure out a few snacks to serve. We are usually at an annual Super Bowl party in Southern California this time of year, but since I still cannot travel due to a back injury, we’re staying home and watching the game with neighbors.
A cheese ball is an acceptable appetizer for any occasion, so thought I would add it to today’s snacks and “football” it up a bit. Since football season is officially over for now, you can just shape the ingredients into a regular round ball (after all, there is basketball season).
Let’s just say this recipe had me at “bacon”.
I used pepper bacon to add a little zing to the topping. Toppings include bacon, scallions, jalapeños and toasted bread crumbs.
I had a heck of a time with spellcheck on this recipe. Apparently spellcheck doesn’t recognize the word “panko”. Everywhere I used panko (breadcrumbs), spellcheck changed the word to panic. When re-reading the recipe before scheduling it to post, one line of the directions said: “Add panic and lightly toast, stirring frequently.” (I’ve actually experienced this first-hand from time-to-time.) 🙂 🙂
Serves 30
Save RecipeIngredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup chopped green onion, divided
- 1/2 cup diced pickled jalapeños (I used fresh diced jalapeños)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
- 3 slices of bacon (I used pepper bacon)
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh jalapeños
- 1 slice mozzarella or white cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Combine softened cream cheese, cheddar, pickled jalapeño, garlic powder, salt and 2-3 tablespoons chopped green onion. (I forgot to add the jalapeño at this point - it tasted good despite my omission.)
- Mix well with mixer or by hand with fork.
- With a spatula scoop out the cheese mixture and shape into a ball.
- Flatten the top, shaping into a football.
- Cover in plastic and refrigerate for 15-60 minutes to harden up.
- Chop bacon into pieces and cook until crispy.
- Remove bacon from pan, wipe clean except for a small amount of bacon grease. Add panko and lightly toast, stirring frequently.
- Prepare jalapeño by cutting in half, removing seeds, veins and stem. Finely chop or mince.
- Press firmly into the cheeseball to coat it.
- Slice a piece of mozzarella cheese into thin slices. Form football laces on top of coated cheeseball.
- Serve with crackers, pretzels, veggies, or apple slices.
Notes
If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, it's great spread on crackers, toast, just about anything the next day.
Nutrition