Description
A cheese ball that has been taken to a whole new level…a kick from the jalapeno and the fresh herbs and bacon make for the prefect game time appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 ounces cream cheese, [I prefer Neufchatel variety]
- 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar
- 1/4 green onion [chopped]
- 1/4 cup fresh basil [chopped]
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley [chopped]
- 1/8– 1/4 cup jalapeno [seeded and chopped]
- 1 tsp Worchestershire sauce
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2–3/4 cup pecans [chopped]
- 1/2 cup bacon bits
- 1 string cheese for the top laces
Instructions
- Prepare plastic wrap. Place large rectangular sized plastic wrap on the counter beside you. Evenly and TIGHTLY spread pecans and bacon…as this is will be the covering of your cheese footaball and you don’t want any holes!
- Mix softened cream cheese with shredded cheese in a medium sized bowl.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients until well incorporated.
- Dump the cheese clump onto the prepared plastic wrap. **You will need to help the loose pecan/bacon bits onto the sides of the cheese ball. Pick them up with your hand/spoon and press them on the open cheese holes. The TOP becomes the Bottom so no need to cover the top completely as it will not be seen.
- Once all the stragglers are helped onto the sides, take the plastic wrap with your hands and flip the cheese ball over onto your desired plate and shape into your football! And voila! No messy hands and a nice shaped football.
- Cut the string cheese in strips and place on football where the laces go.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crackers and veggies.
Notes
*Using the plastic wrap is paramount for equal coverage of the pecans and bacon bits and coverage of your clean hands.
Keywords: Super bowl, cheese ball, high protein, bacon, pecans