Ritz Cheezy Football

Here's another "cheeseball w/bacon" recipe from Kraftfoods.com (exact link: http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/recipedetail.htm?recipe_id=90952 ). I haven't tried this one yet, but it sounds interesting. I don't plan on shaping it into a football though. I'm just going to make it into a big cheese ball or two.

Prep Time: 15 min
Total Time: 5 hr 15 min
Makes: 16 servings, 2 Tbsp. spread and 5 crackers each

Ingredients:

1. 2 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
   
2. 1 pkg. (8 oz.) KRAFT Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
   
3. 1/2 cup KRAFT 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese
   
4. 1/2 cup MIRACLE WHIP Dressing
   
5. 1/4 cup chopped green onions
   
6. 1/4 tsp. black pepper
   
7. 1 pkg. (3 oz.) OSCAR MAYER Real Bacon Bits
   
8. pimientos or roasted red pepper strips (optional)
   
9. RITZ Crackers

Beat cheeses and dressing in medium bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended.

Add onions and black pepper; mix well. Cover. Refrigerate several hours or until chilled.

Place on serving plate; form into football shape. Sprinkle evenly with bacon bits. Add pimento strips for "lacing." Serve with the crackers.

**Refer to original website for substitution tips.**