This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/Kraft Heinz/Georgia-Pacific^®.

Get ready to elevate your game day experience with an irresistible appetizer that’s guaranteed to score a touchdown with your guests! Introducing our incredible Horseradish Cheesy Footballs – a unique and flavorful twist on the classic cheese ball, perfectly shaped for your Super Bowl party or any big game gathering. This recipe combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with the sharp tang of cheddar and Parmesan, a lively kick from horseradish, and a savory crunch from crispy bacon, all crafted into adorable, bite-sized footballs.

As a self-proclaimed connoisseur of cheese balls, I’m thrilled to share this show-stopping recipe just in time for your next epic game day celebration. Forget the ordinary; these Horseradish Cheesy Footballs are designed to be the star of your snack table, combining beloved flavors in an exciting, themed presentation that everyone will love.

Everyone loves a delicious cheese ball, am I right? They are undeniably the quintessential party appetizer, versatile and always a crowd-pleaser. But these aren’t just any cheese balls! They’re packed with a medley of cheeses, a vibrant zing from horseradish, and generously coated with savory, crispy bacon. Every bite is an explosion of flavor and texture – what’s not to adore?

Prepare for a true touchdown with your hungry game day fans when you serve up these festive and flavorful Horseradish Cheesy Footballs. They’re not only incredibly delicious but also visually appealing, adding a playful touch to your spread that perfectly captures the spirit of the game, making your party unforgettable.

Why These Horseradish Cheesy Footballs Are Your Game Day MVP

Crafting the perfect game day appetizer means finding that sweet spot between irresistible flavor, easy preparation, and a fun presentation. Our Horseradish Cheesy Footballs hit all these marks, making them an undisputed MVP for your party menu. Here’s what makes this cheese ball recipe truly exceptional:

• **Unbeatable Creaminess**: We start with fresh-tasting, super creamy Philadelphia^® Cream Cheese, renowned for its smooth texture and rich flavor. It contains no artificial preservatives, dyes, or flavors, ensuring a wholesome and delicious base for our footballs. This foundation provides the perfect backdrop for all the other bold flavors.
• **America’s Favorite Bacon**: Each cheesy football is generously rolled in finely crumbled Oscar Mayer^® Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon. Its smoky, crispy texture provides the perfect counterpoint to the creamy cheese mixture, adding an irresistible layer of savory goodness and a delightful crunch with every bite.
• **A Duo of Delicious Cheeses**: We combine two distinct Kraft^® cheeses – sharp cheddar for its robust, tangy profile and Parmesan for its salty, nutty depth. This blend creates a complex and balanced cheese flavor that is simply addictive and ensures a rich, multi-dimensional taste.
• **The Secret Binding Agent**: Miracle Whip^® plays a crucial role, bringing all the flavors together with its unique tangy-sweet creaminess. It ensures the cheese ball mixture is perfectly blended, easy to work with, and maintains a delightful, spreadable consistency.
• **A Zesty Kick**: Prepared horseradish delivers that signature zip and mild heat, cutting through the richness of the cheese and bacon. It’s the unexpected ingredient that elevates these footballs from great to unforgettable, adding a layer of sophisticated flavor.
• **Festive Football Shape**: Beyond taste, the fun football shape, complete with intricate pimento laces, makes these cheese balls a thematic showstopper. They’re individually portioned, making them easy for guests to grab and enjoy while mingling and watching the game, eliminating the need for serving utensils.

These premium ingredients come together to create a taste experience that your guests will rave about long after the final whistle. And the best part? All these winning components, along with essential easy-serving ware, can be conveniently picked up in one trip!

Your Game Day One-Stop Shop: Walmart

Planning a fantastic game day party doesn’t have to be stressful. Walmart is truly your ultimate one-stop shop for everything you need to host a memorable event without the hassle. From the freshest ingredients for your Horseradish Cheesy Footballs to the most reliable serving essentials, Walmart has you covered, simplifying your party preparations.

Whenever we’re hosting friends and family, whether it’s a casual get-together or a lively Super Bowl party in the basement, I always aim to minimize cleanup. That’s why I consistently rely on Dixie Ultra^® Plates. These plates are engineered for strength, designed to handle even the heaviest and messiest of meals with their patented Soak Proof Shield^™. They can hold up to 2 pounds of food, making them absolutely perfect for all your substantial Big Game snacks and ensuring no unfortunate spills interrupt the action. Their durability means you won’t have to worry about plates folding under the weight of delicious appetizers.

To keep hands clean and the party mess-free, I also make sure to stock up on Vanity Fair^® Extra Absorbent Napkins. These aren’t just ordinary napkins; they’re designed with extra absorbency, feeling almost like a paper towel. This means they are highly effective at cleaning up messy hands and spills, allowing you and your guests to focus on the game and the delicious food without worry. Their superior absorbency makes cleanup a breeze.

Shopping at Walmart for your game day essentials means convenience, quality, and affordability. You can easily find all the trusted brands listed in this recipe, alongside a fantastic selection of party supplies, all in one place. Plus, with options like Walmart Grocery Pickup, preparing for your party is quicker and more efficient than ever before, saving you valuable time to focus on enjoying the game!

Ingredients for Your Horseradish Cheesy Footballs Shopping List

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these crowd-pleasing appetizers. Here’s everything you’ll need to make these flavorful Horseradish Cheesy Footballs:

• 1 package (16 ounces) OSCAR MAYER Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon
• 2 packages (16 ounces) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
• ½ cup MIRACLE WHIP Dressing
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 package (8 ounces) KRAFT Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• ½ cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1 jar (8 ounces) pimento strips
• For Serving: Round buttery crackers, fresh celery sticks, crisp baby carrots, or salty pretzels

Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Cheesy Footballs

Follow these simple steps to create impressive and delicious Horseradish Cheesy Footballs that will be the highlight of your game day spread. Precision and a little patience will ensure perfect results every time.

1. **Prepare the Bacon**: In a large skillet, cook the OSCAR MAYER Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon over medium heat for approximately 13 to 15 minutes, or until it reaches a beautiful brown and crispy perfection. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Once cooked, transfer the bacon onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. This step is crucial for achieving that delightful crispy texture. Allow it to cool completely, then finely crumble it. This crispy bacon will be the flavorful coating for your footballs.
2. **Create the Cheesy Base**: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, begin by beating the softened PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese with an electric mixer until it is wonderfully smooth and lump-free. Ensure it’s truly softened to achieve the best consistency. Next, add in the MIRACLE WHIP Dressing, prepared horseradish for that signature zing, garlic powder, and onion powder. Continue to beat the mixture for 1-2 minutes until all these ingredients are thoroughly blended and well-incorporated, creating a fragrant and smooth base.
3. 
4. **Incorporate the Cheeses**: Gently fold in the KRAFT Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese and KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese into the cream cheese mixture. Beat for another minute, just until the cheeses are evenly combined throughout the mixture. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; you want the cheeses integrated, but avoid whipping too much air into the mixture.
5. **Form the Footballs**: Using a small spoon or a 2-tablespoon scoop, portion out the cheese mixture. Roll each portion into a ball, then gently shape it into an elongated football form. The precise size will give you approximately 32 servings. Place these shapes onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. This parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
6. 
7. **Coat and Decorate**: Press the finely crumbled bacon onto the top and sides of each football shape until they are generously coated. This step adds both flavor and a beautiful texture. For the finishing touch, arrange thin strips of pimento on top of each football to elegantly resemble the laces. This adds both flavor and an authentic football aesthetic that will impress your guests.
8. **Chill to Perfection**: Place the decorated Horseradish Cheesy Footballs into the refrigerator and chill for 1-2 hours, or until they are completely firm. Chilling is essential as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the footballs hold their shape when served. A firm cheese ball is much easier to serve and enjoy.

Creative Recipe Variations to Explore

While the classic Horseradish Cheesy Footballs are phenomenal on their own, don’t hesitate to experiment with these exciting variations to suit different tastes or occasions. Customizing your cheese balls is a fun way to cater to everyone at your party:

• **Horseradish Ranch Cheese Ball**: For a tangy, herbaceous twist, consider adding a packet of dry ranch seasoning mix (about 1-2 tablespoons) to your cream cheese base. This will introduce a familiar and much-loved flavor that pairs wonderfully with the horseradish, creating a Horseradish Ranch Cheese Ball that’s equally addictive and unique.
• **Spicy Jalapeño Kick**: If you and your guests love a bit of heat, finely dice some fresh or pickled jalapeños (about ¼ cup) and fold them into the cheese mixture. Be sure to remove the seeds and membranes if you prefer a milder spice. This addition will create a vibrant, spicy flavor that beautifully complements the richness of the cheese.
• **Herbaceous Delight**: Stir in a tablespoon or two of fresh, finely chopped chives or parsley to add a burst of fresh green color and an aromatic herbaceous note to your cheese balls. Dill or green onions would also be excellent choices.
• **Nutty Crunch**: For an added textural dimension and a boost of savory flavor, mix in finely chopped pecans or walnuts (about ¼ cup) into the cheese ball mixture before shaping, or even press them onto the exterior alongside the bacon for an extra layer of crunch.

Common Questions and Expert Tips for Success

To help you perfect your Horseradish Cheesy Footballs and make your game day hosting experience even smoother, here are answers to some frequently asked questions and invaluable tips:

• **Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**
  • Absolutely! This is one of the best features of this recipe. You can prepare these delightful cheesy footballs up to 2 days in advance. Simply form, coat, and decorate them as instructed. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, and store them securely in the refrigerator. This advance preparation saves you precious time on game day, allowing you to relax and enjoy the festivities. For optimal freshness and flavor, remove them from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving to allow them to soften slightly, making them easier to enjoy.
• **Do I have to make individual cheese balls, or can I make one large one?**
  • While the individual football shapes are undeniably cute and perfect for easy snacking, you absolutely have the option to form the entire mixture into one large football-shaped cheese ball. You can then decorate it with bacon and pimento laces to create a stunning centerpiece for your table. Serving a large cheese ball might require spreading knives. However, the individual portions are ideal for grab-and-go convenience and reducing mess, especially when guests are mingling and watching the game. The choice is yours, depending on your serving preference!
• **Can I halve this recipe if I’m having a smaller gathering?**
  • Yes, indeed! If you’re hosting a more intimate gathering or simply want a smaller batch, you can effortlessly halve all the ingredients in this recipe. The proportions will remain perfect, and you’ll end up with a smaller batch that’s just as wonderfully flavorful and festive. It’s a flexible recipe that scales easily to your needs, ensuring you have the right amount for any crowd size.
• **Tip for Perfect Shaping**: For perfectly uniform football shapes, lightly grease your hands with a tiny bit of cooking spray or dampen them with water before molding the cheese mixture. This prevents sticking and helps you achieve smooth, consistent shapes with ease.
• **Serving Temperature**: For the best flavor and texture, allow the cheese balls to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This softens them slightly, enhancing their creaminess and allowing the complex flavors to truly shine.

Irresistible Serving Suggestions

The key to enjoying these Horseradish Cheesy Footballs is pairing them with the right dippers that complement their rich flavors and creamy texture. Remember to remove them from the refrigerator about 30 minutes prior to serving to ensure they are at the perfect spreading consistency and their flavors are fully awakened.

We love to serve these flavorful Horseradish Cheesy Footballs with a variety of dippers to offer different textures and enhance the overall experience:

• **Classic Crackers**: Round buttery crackers are a timeless choice, offering a delicate crunch that lets the cheese ball flavors shine without overpowering them.
• **Fresh Vegetables**: Crisp celery sticks and sweet baby carrots provide a refreshing crunch and a healthy counterpoint to the rich cheese. Consider adding cucumber slices or bell pepper strips for more variety.
• **Salty Pretzels**: The salty, crunchy texture of pretzels (either small twists or pretzel crisps) is a fantastic match for the creamy, savory cheese, creating a delightful flavor contrast.
• **Pita Chips**: Baked pita chips offer a sturdy and slightly savory option, perfect for scooping up generous portions of the cheese ball.
• **Breadsticks**: Thin, crispy breadsticks or grissini add a touch of elegance and provide a firm vessel for the cheese.

Recipe Card: Horseradish Cheesy Footballs

Horseradish Cheesy Footballs

Yield:
32 servings, 2 tablespoons per serving

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Additional Time:
2 hours

Total Time:
2 hours 25 minutes

Cream cheese is combined with cheddar and parmesan cheeses, horseradish and seasonings, then rolled into bacon for the ultimate game day cheese ball recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 package (16 ounces) OSCAR MAYER Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon
• 2 packages (16 ounces) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
• ½ cup MIRACLE WHIP Dressing
• 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 package (8 ounces) KRAFT Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• ½ cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1 jar (8 ounces) pimento strips
• Round buttery crackers, celery sticks, baby carrots and pretzels, for serving

Instructions

1. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat, about 13 to 15 minutes, until brown and crispy. Place onto paper towels to drain and finely crumble when cool enough to handle.
2. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese with a mixer until smooth. Add in MIRACLE WHIP, horseradish, garlic powder and onion powder and beat 1-2 minutes, until blended. Fold in cheddar and parmesan cheeses and beat for 1 minute until combined.
3. Using a small spoon, form mixture into 2-tablespoon-sized balls and place onto a parchment-lined baking tray. Form each ball into a football shape. Press crumbled bacon onto the top and sides of each football and arrange pimento strips on top to resemble laces.
4. Chill in refrigerator for 1-2 hours or until firm.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 32
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 31Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 109mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 1g

All information and tools presented and written within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on strawberryblondiekitchen.com should only be used as a general guideline.

🧀 More Cheesy Appetizer Recipes to Love

If you’re a fan of delicious, easy-to-make cheese balls and other festive appetizers, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic recipes from our kitchen. Perfect for any gathering, big or small, these creative ideas are sure to delight your guests!

• Cranberry Orange Pecan Cheeseball: A sweet and savory delight, this cheeseball combines festive flavors, making it perfect for holiday seasons or a sophisticated appetizer spread.
• Bacon Cheeseball (Shaped as a Wreath!): Another irresistible bacon-packed cheese ball, this recipe is beautifully presented as a festive wreath, ideal for any celebration.

Make Your Next Game Day Unforgettable!

What culinary masterpieces will you be whipping up for your next BIG game day celebration? We truly hope these Horseradish Cheesy Footballs will earn a prime spot on your game day spread! They’re not just an appetizer; they’re a conversation starter, a crowd-pleaser, and a delicious way to show off your team spirit and elevate your party.

Don’t forget the easiest way to gather all your supplies: head over to your local Walmart or simply click here to shop online for all your game day needs. Take advantage of the ultimate convenience offered by Walmart Grocery Pickup to save valuable time and ensure you have everything ready before kick-off. Enjoy the game, enjoy the company, and most importantly, enjoy these incredible cheesy footballs!