Spicy Football Pepperoni Cheese Ball
Kick off your next football gathering with this adorable and delicious Spicy Football Pepperoni Cheese Ball! Inspired by a popular recipe from the Mom on Time Out blog, this creamy and savory appetizer captures the spirit of game day. Made with a blend of rich cream cheese, savory Italian seasonings, and a kick of jalapeño, it's perfect for sharing with friends and family. Adorned with mini pepperoni to resemble a football, this cheese ball is not only easy to prepare but also fun to present. Pair it with crunchy pretzels, breadsticks, crackers, and fresh veggies for a crowd-pleasing snack that will keep everyone cheering!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
16 ounces (softened)
Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon (none)
mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (finely shredded)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
mini pepperoni slices
2 (5 ounce) bags (divided)
green onions
3 (thinly sliced)
chopped cooked bacon
1/2 cup (cooked)
diced pimentos
1 (4 ounce) jar (drained and patted dry)
chopped jalapeño
1-2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes light and fluffy.
2
Incorporate the Italian seasoning, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese until well blended.
3
Fold in half of the mini pepperoni slices, green onions, chopped bacon, and drained pimientos until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4
Line a small bowl with plastic wrap, allowing enough overhang to cover the top later. Spoon the cheese mixture into the lined bowl and press down firmly to shape it according to the bowl's form.
5
Wrap the cheese mixture tightly in the plastic wrap and transfer it to a cutting board. Shape the cheese ball into a football by using your hands, creating tapering ends.
6
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 48 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
7
After chilling, remove the cheese ball from the fridge and unwrap it. Press the remaining mini pepperoni slices onto the surface of the cheese ball, ensuring they adhere well.
8
Serve with an assortment of pretzels, breadsticks, crackers, and fresh vegetables, allowing guests to enjoy a delightful game day treat.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Spicy Football Pepperoni Cheese Ball?
It is a savory appetizer made with cream cheese, Italian seasonings, and jalapeños, shaped like a football and covered in mini pepperoni.
What ingredients are needed for this cheese ball?
You will need cream cheese, Italian seasoning, mozzarella, Parmesan, mini pepperoni, green onions, bacon, pimientos, and jalapeños.
How do I soften the cream cheese?
Leave the cream cheese at room temperature for about 30 to 60 minutes until it is soft enough to beat into a fluffy consistency.
Can I use regular pepperoni instead of mini pepperoni?
Mini pepperoni is recommended for the best look, but you can use regular pepperoni if you chop it into smaller pieces for the exterior.
How do I shape the cheese ball into a football?
Place the mixture in a plastic-lined bowl to start the shape, then use your hands to taper the ends into a classic football oval.
How long does the cheese ball need to chill?
The cheese ball should chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, though it can stay for up to 48 hours.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, this recipe is great for making ahead of time as it can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before serving.
What should I serve with the Spicy Football Pepperoni Cheese Ball?
It pairs perfectly with pretzels, breadsticks, various crackers, and fresh vegetables like carrots or celery.
Is this cheese ball very spicy?
It has a mild to moderate kick depending on how much jalapeño you include; the recipe suggests 1 to 2 tablespoons.
Can I omit the jalapeños?
Yes, if you prefer a non-spicy version, you can simply leave out the jalapeños without affecting the structure of the cheese ball.
What type of Italian seasoning should I use?
Any standard dried Italian seasoning blend featuring herbs like oregano, basil, and rosemary will work well.
How do I prepare the pimientos?
You should drain the jar of pimientos and pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure the cheese ball doesn't become too watery.
Should the mozzarella be finely shredded?
Yes, finely shredded mozzarella blends more easily into the cream cheese for a smoother texture.
What can I substitute for green onions?
Finely chopped chives or a very small amount of finely minced red onion can be used as a substitute.
Do I need to cook the bacon first?
Yes, the bacon should be fully cooked until crispy and then chopped before being added to the mixture.
Can I use a different type of cheese than Parmesan?
While Parmesan adds a nice saltiness, you could substitute it with Pecorino Romano or extra sharp white cheddar.
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator.
How long will the leftovers last?
The cheese ball will remain fresh and safe to eat for about 3 to 4 days when refrigerated properly.
Can I freeze this cheese ball?
Freezing is not recommended because the texture of the cream cheese can become grainy once thawed.
How do I get the pepperoni to stick to the outside?
After chilling, the surface will be firm but tacky; simply press the pepperoni slices firmly onto the cheese ball surface.
What size bowl should I use to start the shape?
A small to medium mixing bowl is best to help gather the mixture into a compact mass before hand-shaping.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to make one giant football or two regular-sized football cheese balls.
Is the recipe gluten-free?
The cheese ball itself is gluten-free if your bacon and seasonings are, but you must serve it with gluten-free crackers or veggies.
How many people does one cheese ball serve?
One cheese ball typically serves 10 to 12 people as part of a larger spread of appetizers.
What if the cheese mixture is too soft to shape?
If it is too soft, place the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up before you attempt the final football shaping.
Can I use a stand mixer?
Yes, a stand mixer with the paddle attachment is very effective for getting the cream cheese light and fluffy.
Should I use full-fat or light cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese is recommended because it holds its shape much better than light or whipped versions.
How do I make the white laces for the football?
You can use thin strips of white cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone, or even thin slices of white onion to create the laces.
Can I add garlic to the recipe?
Yes, adding half a teaspoon of garlic powder or one clove of minced garlic can add another layer of flavor.
Is this a good recipe for kids?
Yes, kids usually love the pepperoni and cheese combo; just omit the jalapeños to keep it mild for them.