Makes 1 large cheese ball

Ingredients

• 600g cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese blend
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
• 1 cup finely grated parmesan
• 1 cup cooked bacon bits
• 1 Tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 Tablespoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups sliced pepperoni
• 1 slice processed cheese

Method

1. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except the pepperoni slices and cheese slice, season with salt and pepper and stir together until fully combined
2. Line a chopping board with cling wrap and turn the cheese misxture out onto it. Using a offset spatula or spoons, smooth and form into an American football shape
3. Wrap with cling wrap and retin to the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up
4. After this time, finish the surface all over with a layer of pepperoni slices
5. Slice the processed cheese slice into strips and arrange in a “football lace” pattern on top of the cheese ball. You won’t need all the processed cheese slice
6. Cover with cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavor to develop
7. Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving, and serve with crackers, vegetable crudités or pretzels
8. The cheese ball can be stored in the fridge wrapped in parchment paper and cling wrap for up to 1 week