Football Cheese Ball (Easy Super Bowl Appetizer Centerpiece)

Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer you can make ahead? This football cheese ball is easy to prep, spicy, and the perfect centerpiece for Super Bowl parties, potlucks, or game day snacking.

Packed with crispy bacon, jalapeños, and cream cheese, it’s shaped like a football and decorated with “laces” for a fun, visual presentation that will impress your guests.

Not only is it a delicious appetizer, but it also doubles as a standout table centerpiece and pairs well with other finger foods.

Keep reading for step-by-step shaping and serving tips to ensure your football cheese ball looks as good as it tastes.

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Ingredients & supplies for your football cheese ball

To make this easy football recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the football-shaped cheeseball dip:

• 16 ounces of light cream cheese, at room temperature
• 8 ounces of extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1/2 medium red pepper, finely diced
• 1 medium jalapeño pepper, finely diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

To decorate and serve the appetizer:

• 1 teaspoon of olive oil
• ½ cup of real, crumbled bacon bits
• 2 slices of white cheddar cheese, to make the lacing for the football
• 30 Ritz crackers

You’ll also need some Saran Wrap and a narrow, long, rectangular platter.

Step-by-step prep & shaping tips

This cheese ball football dip can be made up to five days in advance. It only has five ingredients that combine into a great-tasting cheese ball that you can then decorate. The bulk of the time is waiting for the football shaped cheese ball to set in the fridge!

Making the dip:

Step 1. Chop the jalapeno pepper. Remove the seeds if you like a mild spice level, or keep them if you like it spicier. Dice the garlic and chop the red pepper.

Step 2. Be sure that the cream cheese is very soft before adding the other ingredients.

In a large bowl, combine the ingredients for the cheeseball. Mix well so that the peppers and garlic are well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times, too.

Stir well to combine.

Forming the football shape

This step only takes a few minutes!

Step 1. Place a small amount of oil on your hands. This will keep the cheese ball mixture from sticking to them. Lay the cheese ball mixture on a piece of Saran Wrap.

Step 2. Form the cheese mixture into a football shape and wrap with the plastic wrap. The football will be oval in shape and will narrow to a point on both ends.

Place in the fridge to set for at least 3 hours. I love that you can make this football shaped cheese ball ahead of time, even several days before, since it will keep for about a week in the fridge.

Step 3. Take the cheese ball out of the fridge and remove the plastic wrap. Coat the outside of the cheese ball by rolling it in the bacon bits.

Use your hands to press firmly so the bacon covers all areas of the cheese ball. 

Step 4. Add the laces right before you are ready serve the cheese ball. This will keep them from softening, slipping or curling up.

Cut the white cheddar cheese into 12 pieces, each  5½-inch in size. You’ll also cut two 1-inch pieces for the ends of the football.

Lay four of the shorter slices along the center of the cheese ball to make two long lines to form the seam (2 pieces make 1 line). Lay the other 8 across these pieces to form “laces”.

Cut the ends of the 1-inch pieces into a pointed shape and lay these across both ends of the cheese ball about 2 inches from each end.

Tip: A bit of softened cream cheese will help the cheese stick to the bacon coated cheese ball.

Wrap the finished football shaped cheese ball in Saran Wrap and place it in the fridge until you are ready to serve your party guests.

Ritz crackers are perfect to serve with this football appetizer idea! These small crackers are tasty and hold up well for dipping into the deliciously spicy mixture.

Game day setup: serving, plating & pairings

This football cheese ball looks wonderful on my long platter surrounded by the crackers, also in the shape of a football.

Football-themed appetizers are the perfect food for a watch party. What could be more perfect than the spicy taste of this delicious cheese ball?

The football shaped cheese ball is creamy, spicy, and so, so tasty. It’s the perfect appetizer to sit on a coffee table while you all watch the big game on TV.  

FAQs for Super Bowl hosting

Can I make a football cheese ball ahead of time?

Yes, I like to make it the day before and add the coating and laces about 30 minutes before serving time.

How many people does this serve?

The cheese ball makes about 30 small servings. It will serve 20-30 people as part of a party spread, or about 12-15 if it’s the main appetizer.

What can I use instead of Ritz crackers?

Sliced vegetables, pretzels, or any firm crackers work well.

How do you store the leftovers?

Reshape the cheese ball, wrap with Saran Wrap. It will keep for 5 days in the fridge.

More football party snack ideas

Are you looking for other ideas to serve at your party?  Try one of these:

• Skittles Cheese Balls – A sweet and sour watch party cheese ball recipe
• Baked Chicken Paprika Drumsticks – Crispy pretzel, spicy chicken appetizer
• The Descendants Hawaiian Cheesecake Dip – Sweet cream cheese dip for a watch party

Share this football-shaped cheeseball recipe on X

If you enjoyed creating this football game-day snack idea, why not share the recipe with a friend?

🏈✨ Score big on game day with this Football Cheese Ball! Make ahead, spicy, and a standout centerpiece your friends will love 😋🧀👉 Step-by-step shaping tips on Recipes Just 4U. #SuperBowlSnacks #GameDayEats #FootballFood… Share on X

Pin this football-shaped cheese ball for later

Would you like a reminder of this spicy bacon, jalapeño cheeseball appetizer? Pin this image to one of your appetizer boards on Pinterest.

Admin note: This easy football party appetizer recipe first appeared on the blog in January of 2016. I have updated the post to add new photos, a printable recipe card with nutritional information, and a video for you to enjoy.

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