Cream Cheese Jalapeño Football Dip

Cream Cheese Jalapeño Football Dip

Ingredients

16 oz cream cheese softened

8 oz grated, sharp cheddar cheese

1/3 cup chopped green onion, divided

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp of kosher salt

5 slices of bacon, (cooked and finely chopped )

1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs

(1) 4oz can diced jalapeños, (divided) * Use pickled jalapeños for less heat

Thin slices of mozzarella for football threads

Directions

1. In a skillet, over medium heat, fry 5 pieces of bacon and set aside. Save grease and lightly fry Panko crumbs in bacon grease one low heat until slightly brown for 1 minute. Set aside as well.

2. In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, half of the diced jalapeño, garlic powder, kosher salt, 3 tablespoons of chopped green onion, and 2 pieces of finely chopped bacon. Mix well.

3. Place the mixture on a piece of wax paper and shape into a football with your hands. If mixture gets too sticky, form into a ball and refrigerate for 1 5 minutes then flatten out and shape into football.

4. Top with Panko crumbs, chopped bacon, and green onion.

5. For the laces, slice thin strips of mozzarella cheese (or any cheese) and place in the center of the football.

6. Serve with crackers and chips.