Step 1

In a large bowl, combine everything except the bacon.

Step 2

Stir to combine well. Make sure cream cheese is very soft before adding the other ingredients.

Step 3

Place a small amount of oil on your hands to keep the cheese ball from sticking to them.

Step 4

Lay the cheese ball mixture on some plastic wrap.

Step 5

Form the cheese mixture into a football shape and wrap with the plastic wrap.

Step 6

Refrigerate for at least three hours (longer is fine).

Step 7

Remove the plastic wrap and coat the outside of the football with the bacon bits.

Step 8

Add strips of mozzarella cheese to form the lacing on the football and two thicker strips to decorate the ends of the football (some cream cheese will help these to stick to the bacon coated cheese ball).

Step 9

Serve with Ritz classic crackers.

Step 10

Enjoy!