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!
Prep Time40 minutesmins
Total Time40 minutesmins
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: Appetizer, Cheese, No-Bake, Pizza
Servings: 16
Author: Jonathan Melendez
Equipment
Bowls
Hand mixer
Ingredients
16ouncescream cheesesoftened
1/4cupsour cream
1 1/4cupsshredded mozzarella
1/2cupgrated parmesandivided
1small shallotminced
1/4cupchopped black olives
1/2cupsun-dried tomatoeschopped (not packed in oil)
1/2cupmini pepperonior chopped regular pepperoni
1/4cupchopped fresh basil
1/2teaspoonKosher salt
1/4teaspoonblack pepper
1/2teaspoongranulated garlic
1/2teaspoongranulated onion
1/2teaspoondried oregano
1/2teaspoondried basil
1/2teaspoondried parsley
1/4teaspoondried chili flakes
3/4cupItalian seasoned Panko bread crumbs
2tablespoonschopped fresh parsley
Crackersveggies 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!