Bacon Jalapeño Cheesy Football Food

BACON-JALAPEñO CHEESY FOOTBALL

Steps:

• Beat first 3 ingredients with mixer until blended. Transfer to work surface; shape with hands to resemble football.
• Pour bacon bits into pie plate; spread to form even layer. Place cream cheese football, upside down, in pie plate; turn to evenly cover top and sides of football with bacon. Transfer to serving plate. Press any remaining bacon bits from pie plate into cream cheese mixture until completely coated.
• Cut provolone cheese into thin strips; use to decorate football as shown in photo. Serve with crackers.

BACON WRAPPED CHEESY STUFFED JALAPEñOS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper (best for clean-up) or a silicone baking mat. Place a baking rack on top of the baking sheet. Set aside.
• Cut the jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise; remove seeds and center membrane. Set aside.
• Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic, and paprika together until combined. You could also do this by hand using a rubber spatula. Salt to taste - I add just a pinch. Spoon filling equally among all 24 jalapeño halves.
• Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a half slice of bacon and stick a toothpick through the center to assure the bacon stays in place. Place each on the baking rack and bake for 25-28 minutes or until the bacon is crisp to your liking. I like to turn the oven to broil for the last minute or two to get things extra crispy. Serve immediately. Cover leftovers and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.