Cheese Ball With Ham
A creamy, tangy cheese ball with ham and blue cheese dressing, perfect for parties and gatherings. Easy to prepare and delight guests with its savory flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all of the ingredients except the parsley together well.
- Shape into a ball and roll in the chopped parsley.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the sharp Cheddar with a mild variety if preferred. If you're looking for a twist, try adding some finely chopped green onions or a little hot sauce for heat. This cheese ball pairs beautifully with crackers or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheese ball with a variety of crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables like celery and bell peppers for dipping. It makes a great addition to a charcuterie board or as part of a party platter. For a festive touch, garnish with additional parsley or nuts to enhance presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If the cheese ball becomes too soft, you can chill it briefly to firm it up before serving again. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Ball With Ham contains roughly 73 calories, with 5g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 this cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball a day in advance. Just shape it and roll it in parsley, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste when served.
What can I use instead of Blue cheese dressing?
If you're not a fan of Blue cheese dressing, you can substitute it with ranch dressing or any creamy dressing of your choice. Just keep in mind that this will alter the flavor profile slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How can I make this cheese ball more flavorful?
To enhance flavor, consider adding spices such as smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick. Additionally, incorporating finely chopped herbs like chives or dill can add freshness. Experiment with different cheeses for a unique taste!
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).