Bacon-Jalapeno Cheesy Football

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
  
• 1 green onion, finely chopped
• 1 fresh jalapeño pepper, finely chopped
• 1 pkg. (3 oz.) OSCAR MAYER Real Bacon Bits
• 1 KRAFT Provolone Cheese Slice
• Keebler® Town House® Original or Keebler® Club® Original Crackers

DIRECTIONS:

1. Beat first 3 ingredients with mixer until blended. Transfer to work surface; shape with hands to resemble football.
   
2. 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.
   
3. Cut provolone cheese into thin strips; use to decorate football as shown in photo. Serve with crackers.
   

KITCHEN TIPS:

1. Size Wise: Enjoy eating appetizers at a social occasion, but be mindful of portion size so you don't overdo it on calories.
   
2. Make Ahead: For convenience, this fun cheese ball can be prepared ahead of time. Refrigerate up to 24 hours before serving. As a bonus, this refrigerating time will also help develop the flavor of the cheese ball.