Pepperoni Pizza Cheese Ball
I know that Thanksgiving is around the corner and by around the corner I of course mean it’s tomorrow. And I know that you all probably already have your menus set and aren’t looking for any new additions, but just in case you just so happen to be in search of an easy, no-cook appetizer, then do I have just the thing for you. This Pepperoni Pizza Cheese Ball is the perfect make-ahead snack/starter that everyone will love. It tastes just like pizza and did I mention there’s no cooking involved? It’s easy, simple (don’t let the ingredient list fool you, most of it is just dried spices and herbs, which help give it that classic pizza taste) and delicious! The perfect addition to your Thanksgiving day spread. This cheese ball recipe also reminds me of this recipe from a while back.
If you’re a fan of a classic cheese ball, then I hope you’ll give this Pepperoni Pizza Cheese Ball a try. It’s a fun new twist on a dish that I feel could definitely have used a makeover. Let me know what you think below and as always, thank you for following along.
Pepperoni Pizza Cheese Ball
Equipment
- Bowls
- Hand mixer
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan divided
- 1 small shallot minced
- 1/4 cup chopped black olives
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped (not packed in oil)
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni or chopped regular pepperoni
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated onion
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon dried chili flakes
- 3/4 cup Italian seasoned Panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Crackers veggies or breadsticks, for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. Stir in the sour cream and mix until combined and smooth.
- Add the mozzarella, 1/4 cup parmesan, shallot, olives, sun dried tomatoes, pepperoni, basil, salt, pepper, garlic, onion, oregano, dried basil, dried parsley, and chili flakes. Mix until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a large piece of plastic wrap and wrap tightly, shaping into a ball. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- In a shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs, remaining 1/4 cup parmesan, fresh parsley, and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Unwrap cheese ball and roll around in the bread crumb mixture until evenly coated. Transfer to a platter or serving dish along with some crackers, bread slices, veggies or bread sticks. Serve and enjoy!
