Cheese Ball By Fannie
Creamy and savory cheese ball with ham and green onions, perfect for parties and snacking, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for at least an hour.
- Stir cheese with a fork until smooth.
- Add lemon juice and blend in.
- Chop only the green part of the onions and add to the mixture.
- Blend until smooth.
- Chop the ham by slicing both ways.
- Add the ham to the cheese mixture.
- Form the mixture into a ball.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for a few hours.
- Garnish with olives or nuts before serving.
- Serve with assorted crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a tangy twist. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or some finely chopped jalapeños. To save time, pre-chopped ham can be used instead of slicing your own. This cheese ball pairs beautifully with Pork Chops And Rhubarb Casserole for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cheese ball with a variety of crackers to complement its rich flavors. Fresh vegetable sticks, such as carrots and celery, also make a great pairing. For a festive touch, garnish with olives or nuts right before serving. This dish is perfect for gatherings and can be accompanied by other appetizers like Buffet Beans or Sweet Chili for a more extensive spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you plan to serve it later, keep it wrapped in plastic wrap to maintain its shape and moisture. Avoid freezing the cheese ball, as the texture may change upon thawing. When ready to serve, simply unwrap and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Ball By Fannie contains roughly 796 calories, with 3g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 85g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 677mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
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 cheese ball in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese ball up to 2 days in advance. Just make sure to store it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste when served.
What can I use instead of green onions?
If you don't have green onions, you can substitute with finely chopped chives or shallots for a similar flavor. For a milder taste, use finely diced bell peppers. Each will add a unique twist to the cheese ball while maintaining its delicious essence.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
This recipe contains ham or beef, making it unsuitable for vegetarians. To create a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and consider adding chopped nuts or seeds for extra texture. You can also experiment with different herbs to enhance the flavor profile.
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).