Pepperoni Pizza Cheese Ball
This Pepperoni Pizza Cheese Ball is a fun twist on a classic recipe. Packed with mini pepperoni, cheese and pizza seasoning, it's so good!
Equipment
- bowls
- Hand mixer
- Spatula
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 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!