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Best Baked Football Cheese Ball with Bacon

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A warm, creamy baked cheese ball shaped like a football, loaded with bacon, cheddar, and pecans. Perfect for game day parties and last-minute entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6–8 strips)
  • 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
  • Additional bacon crumbles for decorating
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook bacon until crispy, let cool, then crumble into small pieces. Reserve 2 tablespoons for decorating.
  2. Soften cream cheese to room temperature (or microwave in 10-second bursts).
  3. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, crumbled bacon (minus reserved), green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Mix with a hand mixer until smooth.
  4. Transfer mixture onto plastic wrap and shape into a football about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide at center. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours).
  5. Finely chop pecans and spread on a plate.
  6. Remove chilled cheese ball from plastic wrap and gently press pecans onto the surface to coat evenly.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place coated cheese ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Bake for 12-15 minutes until outside is slightly golden and cheese is warm and creamy.
  9. Let cool for 5 minutes, then decorate with reserved bacon crumbles to form football laces.
  10. Serve warm immediately.

Notes

Chill the cheese ball thoroughly to maintain shape during baking. Use a light hand when coating with pecans to keep them on the surface. Watch baking time closely to avoid melting. Can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance (steps 1-4).

Nutrition

Keywords: baked cheese ball, football cheese ball, bacon cheese ball, game day appetizer, Super Bowl recipe, party appetizer, warm cheese ball

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/best-baked-football-cheese-ball-with-bacon/