Home / Recipes / Appetizers / Pepperoni Pizza Football Cheese Ball

Pepperoni Pizza Football Cheese Ball

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE SALES LINKS. PLEASE SEE OUR FULL DISCLOSURE POLICY FOR DETAILS

As someone who loves hosting Super Bowl parties, I know the importance of having a spread that wows your guests without keeping you in the kitchen all day. This Pepperoni Pizza Football Cheese Ball is a winning combination of simplicity and indulgence, making it perfect for football fans of all ages.

A football cheese ball on a white plate with crackers for serving.
Table of Contents

If you’re looking for the ultimate game-day appetizer, this pepperoni pizza cheese ball is a touchdown waiting to happen! Packed with all the flavors you love—like mozzarella, parmesan, zesty pepperoni, and a hint of Italian seasoning—this cheesy creation is shaped like a football for the perfect blend of fun and flavor.

Made with simple ingredients and requiring just a large bowl and hand mixer, this easy appetizer comes together quickly, leaving you more time to enjoy the big game.

Whether you’re watching from your couch or celebrating with fellow fans, this football cheese ball will make your game-day experience unforgettable. Set it out on a serving platter surrounded by your favorite crackers and fresh vegetables, and watch it disappear before halftime!

Perfect for football parties and Super Bowl parties alike, this delicious appetizer brings much fun to any gathering. Go Eagles!! 🦅

Free Email Series

5 Secrets To The Perfect Cookie

Tips & tricks to achieve the most delicious cookies of your life!

What Goes into this Recipe

The ingredients needed to make a football pepperoni pizza cheese ball.
  • Cream Cheese: Let your packages of cream cheese come to room temperature for the smoothest results – this makes it much easier to combine with other ingredients.
  • Italian Seasoning: This will give the football cheese ball its classic pizza flavor.
  • Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese: A combination of shredded mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese gives this football cheeseball its authentic pizza flavor. While pre-shredded cheese works fine, grating your own cheese will give you the creamiest texture.
  • Petite Diced Tomatoes: The diced tomatoes with garlic and olive oil add extra flavor. Be sure to drain them well on paper towels before adding to prevent excess moisture. You can also use sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
  • Mini Pepperoni: These create the perfect football shape on the outside of your cheese ball. Regular-sized pepperoni can be chopped into smaller strips if mini pepperoni isn’t available, but the mini size creates a more polished look for this game day appetizer.

How to make a Football Cheese Ball with Pepperoni

  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy using a hand mixer {or stand mixer}. Add the Italian seasoning and garlic powder, continuing to beat until well combined. Gradually mix in the shredded mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.
  2. Using a spatula, gently fold in the drained diced tomatoes, diced green onions, and 5 ounces of the mini pepperoni until evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
Making the cheese ball filling.
  1. Place a large piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface and position a football-shaped bowl on top.
  2. Press the cheese mixture into the bowl, making sure to pack it firmly to remove any air pockets. Wrap the excess plastic wrap over the top and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours to allow the football cheeseball to set properly.
Adding the cheese ball ingredients to a football shaped bowl.
  1. Once set, unwrap the cheese ball and carefully invert it onto a serving platter. The oval shape should be starting to look like a football!
  2. Cover the entire surface with the remaining mini pepperoni slices, overlapping them slightly. To create the football laces, use smaller strips of string cheese or white cheddar cheese to form one long strip down the center and several smaller strips across it. Let the cheese ball stand at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving with your favorite crackers, bread sticks, or fresh vegetables.
Turning the cheese ball out of the mold and covering in mini pepperoni.

Tips for making a Cheese Ball

  • Make sure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This includes the cream cheese and any shredded cheeses. The ingredients will blend more smoothly and create a better texture in your football cheese ball.
  • Pack the cheese mixture firmly into the bowl. Eliminating air pockets will help your football cheese ball hold its shape better and make it easier to serve.
  • Create a pattern when adding the pepperoni. Start from the bottom and work your way up, overlapping the mini pepperoni slices slightly like shingles.
  • Serve with a variety of dippers. We love Ritz crackers with a cheeseball, but you can offer healthier options like carrot sticks and celery sticks as well.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Store: The assembled football cheese ball can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you haven’t added the outer pepperoni layer yet, wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing.

Freeze: While technically possible to freeze, freezing isn’t recommended as the texture of the cream cheese mixture can become crumbly when thawed.

Recipe FAQs

Can I shape this without a football-shaped bowl?

Yes! You can form your football cheese ball by hand on a flat surface using saran wrap. Shape the mixture into an oval shape, then use your hands to create pointed ends for that classic football shape.

How far in advance can I make this football cheeseball?

You can prepare the cheese ball up to 24 hours ahead of time. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. For the best presentation, wait to add the outer pepperoni coating until just before serving.

What if I want to make this spicier?

Easy! Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture, or include some crushed red pepper flakes with your Italian seasoning. You can also use spicy pepperoni for an extra kick.

Serving the football cheese ball on a cracker.

Do you love easy appetizers? Try these recipes…

Save This Recipe

Enter your email below and I’ll send it directly to your inbox!

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
A football pepperoni cheese ball on a white tray with crackers.

Football Cheese Ball {Pepperoni Pizza}

All of the flavors you love about pepperoni pizza is transformed into a football shaped cheese ball that is perfect for game day!
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 350kcal
No ratings yet
Pin Print

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces cream cheese {softened}
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • cup petite diced tomatoes {I used tomatoes with garlic and olive oil}
  • 4 green onions {diced}
  • 7 ½ ounces mini pepperoni

Instructions

  • Beat together the cream cheese, oregano, basil and garlic powder using a handheld mixer {or by hand} in a large mixing bowl until creamy. Beat in the mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
  • Fold in the tomatoes, green onions, and 5 ounces of the mini pepperonis. Line a football shaped bowl with plastic wrap and add the cheese mixture. Press the cheese mixture down into the bowl to remove any empty space and wrap the plastic wrap to cover the cheese ball. Place into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours and up to 8 hours.
  • Unwrap the cheese ball and cover with the remaining mini pepperoni. Serve with crackers and vegetables.

Video

Notes

If you don’t have a football-shaped bowl, you can form your football cheese ball by hand on a flat surface using saran wrap. Shape the mixture into an oval shape, then use your hands to create pointed ends for that classic football shape.
You can prepare the cheese ball up to 24 hours ahead of time. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. For the best presentation, wait to add the outer pepperoni coating until just before serving.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 676mg | Potassium: 181mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 853IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 194mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @PracticallyHomemade or tag #practicallyhomemade!

Similar Posts