Chunky Cheese Ball
A creamy, savory cheese ball coated with nuts, featuring flavors of ham, onion, and hot sauce, perfect for entertaining and served with crackers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Stir in chopped onion, ground cooked ham, parsley, hot pepper sauce, and dry mustard.
- Cover and chill for several hours.
- Form the mixture into a ball.
- Roll the ball in chopped peanuts to coat.
- Serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing. If you want to reduce calories, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. For a spicier kick, add more hot pepper sauce or include chopped jalapeños. You can also incorporate chopped bacon for added flavor, similar to how it's done in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chunky cheese ball with an assortment of crackers, vegetable sticks, or breadsticks for dipping. It pairs beautifully with Baked Macaroni And Cheese With Ham for a hearty appetizer spread. You can also add some fresh fruit or a charcuterie board alongside for a well-rounded snack table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits. It’s best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat; simply take it out of the fridge shortly before serving to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chunky Cheese Ball contains roughly 583 calories, with 19g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (38% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1106mg per serving (48% 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 this cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes, this cheese ball can be made a day or two in advance. Just ensure it's well covered and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to develop further, making it even tastier when served.
What can I substitute for peanuts?
If you're allergic to peanuts or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute them with chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds. Each option will provide a unique crunch while complementing the cheese ball's flavors.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this cheese ball vegetarian, simply omit the ground cooked ham and replace it with chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor. You can also use more herbs to enhance the taste without the meat.
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).