SUPER BOWL FOOTBALL CHEESEBALL

Anything in the shape of a football will undoubtedly be the most popular appetizer on the Super Bowl table! Take the cheese ball to a whole new level this year with jalapeno + fresh herbs all wrapped in chopped pecans and bacon.

I mean, anything that has to do with a party is a winner. Especially cheese balls. And because THIS one is in the shape of a football…i think it wins the prize for the best super bowl appetizer. I feel like I should stuff spinach and zucchini and cauliflower into just because everyone and anyone will eat it! But I won’t this time:)

…next year.

It’s a pretty standard cheese ball…it has all the good stuff— a little extra kick from the jalapeno….plus the chopped bacon and pecans. Ok so 3 extras that make this cheeseball over the goal posts! [ha!]

the INGREDIENTS:

• Cream cheese
  • depending on your school of thought, use whatever fat content of cream cheese you wish. My mom roots for fat free and some health experts root for full fat. I fall somewhere in between. So i go for the 1/3 less fat. Use what you like
• Sharp cheddar
  • Of course you can use your own preference of shredded cheese. We are a sharp family and I feel like it gives a good bite so we chose IT
• Onion
  • chopped green part and down to the creamish
• Fresh herbs.
  • If you’ve read any blog post of mine, you maybe know my passion for fresh herbs. It is strong and I strongly believe they MAKE any recipe. SO its worth the buy because you can use them whenever and with everything! If you’re worried on how to really chop these herbs….watch THIS!
• Jalapeno
  • Optional but adds a light kick if you leave out the seeds
• Garlic
  • self explanatory
• Salt and Pepper
• Worchestershire sauce
  • This fermented vinegar gives it a great flavor
• Pecans
  • Could use any nut I guess, but pecans and bacon work so well together
• Bacon bits
  • Makes everything better of course

the STEPS:

#1: the PLASTIC WRAP

• in order for your hands to stay clean and this project to not be a headache…this step is VITAL
• place plastic wrap in a large square or rectangular size on the counter. This serves as the wrapping for the cheese ball and ensures the pecans and bacon are distributed evenly on the cheese ball.
• If you can spread out the pecans and bacon evenly and tightly on the plastic wrap, when you dump the cheese ball on, you then bring up the plastic wrap and pat on the bacon and pecan bits. Then, flip it over onto the desired plate and…the top will magically be completely covered with the yummy pecans and bacon!

#2: Assembly

• Mix all ingredients together EXCEPT the chopped pecans and bacon bits [which are already on the plastic wrap].
• Dump the cheese ball onto the prepared plastic wrap. Using the sides of the plastic wrap, grab the plastic and press the bacon bits and pecans so they cover the sides of the cheese ball. [if you do it this way, you don’t get your hands dirty].
• Once you have helped all the stray bacon bits and pecans to the side of your cheese ball, flip over the cheese ball [while in the plastic wrap], so the top…where you didn’t have many or any bacon bits and chopped pecans is now on the bottom and the bottom of the cheese ball, which is completely covered in pecans and bacon bits, it now the top. Leaving the plastic wrap in place, shape your cheeseball into your football shape. Then— Voila! Remove the plastic wrap and you’ve got yourself a cheeseball football. Garnish with parsley and veggies and chips.

This can be made ahead as the flavors become enhanced over time spent in the fridge:)

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