Appetizer Ham Ball
A savory ham ball appetizer featuring smooth deviled ham blended with olives and mustard, coated with a creamy cheese frosting, and garnished with parsley flakes and sliced olives. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, this dish offers bold flavors and attractive presentation that will impress guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend deviled ham, chopped stuffed green olives, prepared mustard, and Tabasco sauce.
- Form the mixture into a ball on a serving dish and chill in the refrigerator.
- Combine softened cream cheese with milk to create a frosting.
- Frost the ham ball with the cream cheese mixture.
- Trim the frosting with parsley flakes and sliced olives for decoration.
- Remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before serving.
- Pass assorted crackers alongside the ham ball.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider mixing in a bit of sour cream with the cream cheese. If you can't find deviled ham, you could use regular canned ham with added seasoning like paprika and garlic powder. Feel free to adjust the level of Tabasco to suit your spice preference. For added flavor, try incorporating some diced red bell pepper into the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the ham ball with a variety of crackers or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping. It pairs beautifully with a light salad or a platter of assorted cheeses. You could also complement it with a selection of pickles or olives for a more extensive appetizer spread. This dish is perfect for parties or game day gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the texture, it's best to serve the ham ball cold, so there's no need to reheat. Just bring it back to room temperature before serving if it's been stored for a while.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Appetizer Ham Ball contains roughly 63 calories, with 1g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 3g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the ham ball ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ham ball a day in advance. After frosting it with the cream cheese mixture, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it convenient for serving when guests arrive.
What can I substitute for stuffed green olives?
If you don't have stuffed green olives, you could use sliced black olives or even chopped dill pickles for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
The ham ball itself is gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels on the crackers you serve alongside. Many brands offer gluten-free options that would pair well with this appetizer, making it accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).