Bacon Cheddar Football Cheese Ball Recipe: The Ultimate Game Day Appetizer

This Bacon-Cheddar Football Cheese Ball is the ultimate make-ahead appetizer, perfect for any game day celebration! This isn’t just any ordinary cheese ball; it’s a flavor explosion of bacon, cheddar, spices, and a crunchy pecan coating. This easy-to-make recipe guarantees a crowd-pleasing experience, making you the MVP of your snack lineup. For more fun football-themed recipes, be sure to check out our recipes for puff pastry footballs and Nutella football truffles.

I’ve never been a huge fan of cheese balls. All too often, they’re a bland mix of cheeses and veggies molded into a ball that’s prodded at with various dippers. They often miss the mark when it comes to exciting flavors, leaving much to be desired.

But trust me, this isn’t your average cheese ball!

The beauty of this recipe lies in the incredible depth of flavor. We’re talking about a powerhouse combination of bacon, cheddar, cream cheese, scallions, pimiento peppers, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. You can even add a touch of heat with a jalapeño. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill appetizer; it’s a symphony of taste sensations!

The secret ingredient that elevates this football cheese ball to the next level is sour cream. It adds a creamy tanginess that perfectly balances the other rich flavors, making it utterly irresistible.

Coat the entire cheese ball in crushed pecans and add cheese “laces” on top to create a visually appealing and delicious treat. Your game day snack lineup will never be the same. Serve it with pretzels, crackers, and fresh vegetables for a variety of dippers to satisfy every palate.

Make It Ahead: Short on time? Prepare the cheese ball a day in advance. Securely wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Right before serving, coat it in pecans for that perfect crunch, and get ready for the rave reviews!

Featured in Woman’s World Magazine

I’m incredibly grateful to have been featured on the cover of Woman’s World Magazine once again, this time with an epic Super Bowl spread!

I never take these dream-come-true moments for granted. Endless thanks to the Woman’s World team for their support and collaboration.

Ingredients for the Best Cheese Ball

• Bacon: Crisp, smoky bacon is a must! Fry it until it reaches that perfect level of crunch to add texture and flavor.
• Cream cheese: Soften the cream cheese to room temperature for a smooth, easy-to-mix consistency. This is essential for creating a creamy base.
• Sour cream: This adds a tangy counterpoint to the richness of the cheese and bacon. For an extra tang, try using Greek yogurt.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Choose your favorite type! Mild cheddar is a crowd-pleaser, sharp cheddar adds a robust flavor, and extra-sharp provides a bold kick.
• Pimiento peppers: Find these sweet, mild peppers in the condiment aisle. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture before adding them to the cheese ball.
• Worcestershire sauce: A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami, enhancing the savory flavors. Adjust the amount to your preference.
• Jalapeño: Want to add some heat? A finely minced jalapeño does the trick! Remove the seeds for less spice or leave them in for an extra kick.
• Crushed pecans: These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the outside of the cheese ball. Crush them finely and add them just before serving to maintain their crispness.
• String cheese or sliced white cheese: This will become the iconic football laces. String cheese is easy to work with, but thin slices of white cheddar or Monterey Jack also work well.

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and exact quantities.

How to Make a Football-Shaped Cheese Ball: Step-by-Step

Get ready to score big with your guests! This football-shaped cheese ball is not only delicious but also a fun and festive addition to any game day gathering. Say goodbye to boring dips and hello to a show-stopping snack that will have everyone cheering.

1. Cook the bacon. Fry the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Kelly’s Tip: Don’t toss that rendered bacon fat! It’s liquid gold for flavor. Use it to sauté vegetables or brush it onto crackers for an extra bacon-y touch.

2. Mix the ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked bacon, softened cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, pimiento peppers, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, jalapeño (if using), and sliced scallions. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

3. Shape the cheese ball into a football. Lay a large sheet of plastic wrap on a flat surface. Transfer the cheese mixture to the center of the plastic wrap, then fold the plastic wrap up and around it. Using your hands, carefully shape the cheese mixture into a football shape.

4. Refrigerate for 15 minutes. Place the cheese ball in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow it to firm up. This will make it easier to handle when you coat it with pecans.
5. Coat with crushed pecans. Once chilled, unwrap the cheese ball and generously coat it with the finely crushed pecans. Make sure the pecans are evenly distributed across the surface.
6. Add the football “laces” and serve. Decorate the cheese ball with thin strips of string cheese or sliced white cheese to create the iconic football laces. Serve immediately or keep chilled until ready to serve.

What to Serve with Your Cheese Ball

Offer a variety of dippable options to complement the flavors of your cheese ball. Sturdy crackers, pretzels, and fresh vegetables are always a good choice. Here are some more ideas for a winning appetizer spread:

• Toasted baguette slices
• Pita chips
• Tortilla chips
• Mini bagels

And don’t forget the cheese spreading knife to make serving easy and elegant!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheese Balls

What do I do if my cheese ball is too soft?

If your cheese ball is too soft, place it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up without affecting the flavor.

How do I prevent the pecans or coating from getting soggy?

To keep the coating crisp, add it just before serving. If making ahead, store the cheese ball without the coating and add it right before serving.

Can I customize the shape of my cheese ball for different occasions?

Absolutely! Get creative with the shape to match your event’s theme. A football shape for game day or a classic round shape – the possibilities are endless!

More Snack Recipes Perfect for Game Day

• Veggie Flatbread Pizza
• Everything Puff Pastry Pigs In a Blanket
• Easy Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites
• Crispy Baked Orange Chicken Wings
• Slow Cooker Queso Dip
• Easy Taco Salad Cups

Craving more delicious recipes? Subscribe to Just a Taste to receive new recipes, meal plans, and a newsletter directly in your inbox! Stay connected on Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, and AppetizerBacon-Cheddar Football Cheese Ball RecipeTransform a simple snack into a gameday touchdown with a recipe for the best Bacon-Cheddar Football Cheese Ball.Author:Kelly Senyei5from 1 votePrep Time25minutesminsCook Time10minutesminsTotal Time35minutesminsServings8servingsPrint RecipeIngredients6slicesbacon, cut into lardons2(8-oz.)packages cream cheese, softened1/2cupsour cream2cupsshredded cheddar cheese1(4-oz.)jar pimiento peppers, drained1TablespoonWorcestershire sauce2teaspoonsgarlic powder1medium jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)1/3cupsliced scallions1 1/2cupsfinely crushed pecans1string cheese or slice white cheese, cut into thin stripsCrackers, pretzels or crudité, for servingInstructionsAdd the bacon to a large sauté pan set over medium heat. Cook until all the fat has rendered. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.In a large bowl, combine the bacon, cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, pimiento peppers, Worcestershire, garlic powder, jalapeño (optional) and scallions. Mix until combined then taste and season with salt and pepper.Arrange a large piece of plastic wrap on your work surface. Transfer the cheese mixture into the center then fold the plastic up and around it. Using your hands, carefully shape it into a football. Refrigerate the cheese ball for 15 minutes.Unwrap the plastic then coat the cheese ball with the crushed pecans.Arrange the sliced string cheese on top to form the football “laces.” Serve with crackers, pretzels or crudité for dipping.Kelly’s NotesTo keep the coating crisp, add it just before serving. If you’re making the cheeseball ahead of time, store it without the coating and add it just before your guests arrive.To keep your bacon-cheddar cheeseball fresh,wrap it tightly in plastic or store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.Don’t freeze it, as the texture, because of the cream cheese base, will change when thawed.Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!NutritionCalories: 217kcal,Carbohydrates: 2g,Protein: 10g,Fat: 19g,Saturated Fat: 10g,Cholesterol: 48mg,Sodium: 319mg,Potassium: 118mg,Fiber: 1g,Sugar: 1g,Vitamin A: 414IU,Vitamin C: 1mg,Calcium: 225mg,Iron: 1mgDid you try this recipe?Leave a comment below with your star rating!