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Jalapeño Popper Cheese Football Recipe

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4.1 from 57 reviews

This Jalapeño Popper Cheese Football is a fun and festive appetizer perfect for game day or any party. Creamy, cheesy, and spicy, it combines softened cream cheese with shredded cheddar, fresh jalapeños, and garlic powder, shaped into a football and coated with cracker crumbs. Garnished with sour cream laces, it’s a crowd-pleasing snack served with Wheat Thin crackers.

Ingredients

Cheese Mixture

  • 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (7 oz) bag shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped jalapeño pepper
  • 3/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 3 tbsp green onions, chopped, divided

Coating

  • 15 Wheat Thin crackers, crushed finely
  • 1 tbsp green onions, chopped (from the divided 2 green onions)

Garnish

  • 2 tsp light sour cream for piping laces
  • Extra Wheat Thin crackers for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped jalapeño pepper, garlic powder, and 3 tablespoons of chopped green onions together with a mixer until fully blended and smooth.
  2. Shape Into Football: Transfer the cheese mixture onto a serving platter and mold it into an oval shape resembling a football, ensuring it has smooth edges for an authentic look.
  3. Prepare Cracker Coating: Crush 15 Wheat Thin crackers finely and combine the crumbs with the remaining 1 tablespoon of chopped green onions. Press this cracker-onion mixture evenly onto the entire surface of the cheese ball to coat it completely.
  4. Chill: Refrigerate the coated cheese football for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up and the flavors to meld. It can be chilled for up to 24 hours in advance; if stored overnight, cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
  5. Pipe Sour Cream Laces: Just before serving, place 2 teaspoons of light sour cream in a small resealable plastic bag, snip off a small tip from one corner, and pipe sour cream onto the cheese football in a lacing pattern to mimic football laces.
  6. Serve: Offer the Jalapeño Popper Cheese Football with extra Wheat Thin crackers for dipping and spreading.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the spice level to your preference.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and smoother texture.
  • If you don’t have Wheat Thin crackers, similar buttery, thin crackers work well as a coating and serving option.
  • For a creamier texture, add a tablespoon of sour cream or mayonnaise to the cheese mixture.
  • This appetizer can be made a day ahead to save time on party day.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/jalapeno-popper-cheese-football-recipe/