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Pepperoni Cheese Ball

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This pepperoni cheese ball is full of pizza flavor but in a fun, spreadable appetizer form. It is sure to be a hit at your next party and would be great at a tailgate.

Cheeseball coated in chopped pepperoni next to crackers.

A pepperoni cheese ball is the perfect party food.  It is easy to make, can be made ahead and tastes like pizza. 

So many things to love.  It is great for game day, a potluck and more. It tastes amazing and people will enjoy it.

Rolling cheese ball around in pieces of pepperoni.

Cheese Balls Are Perfect Party Food

Cheeseballs are such a great appetizer for parties. There is something about a creamy ball of cheese that draws people in.

While the more traditional cheese ball with bacon, ranch and cheddar is always a hit, it is fun to change up the flavors to match the occasion.

Pizza flavored cheese ball coated in pepperoni next to crackers ready to serve.

We have done mini cheese balls with cranberries for several events, including holidays. They are fun because they are more of a grab and go version.

A havarti cheese ball coated with colored peppers always makes a statement. Or you can make carrot shaped cheese balls for Easter.

We have even done football shaped cheese balls for game day. And cookies and cream cheese balls for dessert.

This cheese ball takes that party food vibe to the next level by mixing in the flavors of another party food favorite: pizza! It’s hard to go wrong with that flavor combination!

cheese ball and crackers on plate ready to serve.

What’s in This Pepperoni Cheese Ball?

As you might expect, the key to making this cheese ball creamy and spreadable is a cream cheese base. It gives us the perfect canvas for adding the rest of our flavors.

Of course we need pepperoni and mozzarella cheese to get the pizza flavors going. Some oregano, parsley, basil and garlic add the herby flavor that the sauce usually provides.

You can play with the herbs to match to your taste preference or what you happen to have on hand.

A few red pepper flakes help to give the spicy flavor throughout and Parmesan cheese rounds out the flavor profile. It hits on most of the big pizza tastes.

I like to use a food processor to bring the mixture together. It makes it easier than stirring it by hand and helps to distribute all of the ingredients throughout while chopping up anything that needs to be finer.

Hand holding cracker with pepperoni cheese ball spread over it.

Coating the Cheese Ball

To give your cheese ball a finished look, you will need something to coat it with. The options really are endless here.

You could go with the traditional chopped nuts, but I like using something that adds another layer of pizza flavor.

I have coated this cheese ball in fresh herbs and shredded Parmesan cheese and that was delicious.

As you can see, we have also coated it in chopped pepperoni and that was a hit too. It gives your guests a visual indicator of the flavors they can expect inside.

Feel free to experiment here. There really are no wrong answers.

cheese ball ready to eat.

Serving the Cheese Ball

You can make your pepperoni pizza cheese ball in advance if you would like. Just wrap it in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator.

I like to pull cheese balls out about 20 minutes before serving so they have a chance to warm up a bit. They taste great straight from the fridge, but the mixture will be a little bit harder to spread.

You can serve this cheese ball with your favorite crackers. It is also great spread on toasted slices of baguette.

Love this recipe? Give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review in the recipe card below!

Cheeseball coated in chopped pepperoni next to crackers.

Pepperoni Pizza Cheese Ball

Carlee
This cheese ball is full of pepperoni pizza flavor but in a fun, spreadable appetizer form! It is sure to be a hit at your next party and would be great at a tailgate!
4.91 from 10 ratings
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Additional Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Appetizers & Snacks
Cuisine American
Servings 24 Servings
Calories 118 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 16 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 3 ounces pepperoni
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • fresh herbs and additional Parmesan cheese for finishing

Instructions
 

  • Pulse the mozzarella and pepperoni in the food processor until they are in small pieces.
    3 ounces pepperoni, 8 ounces mozzarella cheese
  • Add the cream cheese, Parmesan and herbs.
    16 ounces cream cheese, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried parsley, ½ teaspoon dried basil, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Process until ready combined. Scoop cheese onto plastic wrap. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least an hour.
  • Shape into a nice ball and then coat in more pepperoni or roll in fresh herbs and grated Parmesan. Serve with crackers or sliced baguette.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 118kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 4gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 197mgSugar: 1g
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Recipe Rating




Jan

Sunday 21st of January 2018

I'll be adding this one to my cheese ball list! I have a few I like to make, and this will be the perfect new addition!

Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies

Monday 25th of September 2017

Happy Anniversary!! Your cheese ball sounds like what I need to feed the rock crawling club next weekend! Perfect timing for a great recipe :)

Unknown

Sunday 10th of September 2017

This is such a tasty idea! Love it.

Carlee

Tuesday 12th of September 2017

Thank you so much!

Kelly Lynns Sweets and Treats

Sunday 10th of September 2017

Looks yummy! You can't ever go wrong with anything flavored like pizza! PINNED!

Carlee

Tuesday 12th of September 2017

Pizza does the trick every time! Thanks, Kelly!

Andrea Nine

Friday 8th of September 2017

Aww Happy Anniversary you love birds!!! I love a good cheese ball and my boys love pepperoni so I will be making this!! It will be great for Notre dame football!! Have a wonderful weekend sweet friend!!

Carlee

Saturday 9th of September 2017

It will be a great football watching snack!! Have a great weekend!