Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball

We are all about the foods we grew up with and consider a cheese ball to be a game day mainstay- this appetizer is the perfect pairing to our game day cocktail! We have been loving @college_housewife new cookbook, and when she posted her version of this recipe, we knew we wanted to include it in our game day roundup! We love things a little spicy, but biting into a jalapeño popper can be a little intimidating. This cheese ball combines the cheesy, spicy, salty flavors of Jalapeño Poppers, but bonus- you get to spread it on a Ritz.

Two 8 oz cream cheese blocks, at room temp
2 Tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 jalapenos, seeds and membranes removed and minced (reserve 2 Tablespoons)
1/4 cup green onions, finely diced (reserve 1 Tablespoon)
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserve ½ cup for topping)
8 pieces bacon, cooked well and crumbled (reserve ¼ cup)
A few shakes of @tabasco

In a medium bowl mix together cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, pinch of salt, jalapeños, green onions, cheddar cheese and bacon.

Lay out a sheet of plastic wrap on a flat surface and transfer the cheese mixture to the center. Wrap the cream cheese and form into a ball. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes or until the ball is semi-firm.

Add remaining 2 Tablespoons of jalapenos, 1 Tablespoon of green onions, ½ cup cheddar cheese, and ¼ cup of bacon to a baking sheet. Mix together until evenly dispersed.

Remove the cheese ball from the plastic wrap and onto the baking sheet. Roll the ball in toppings until evenly coated.

You can serve with crackers, pretzels, chips and veggies. We like to serve with @ritzcrackers :)