Fred'S Cheese Ball
A creamy, savory cheese ball with smoked ham and a crunchy nut coating, perfect for parties, appetizers, or festive gatherings, appealing to cheese lovers and snack enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the cream cheese, ground smoked ham, prepared mustard, horseradish, and soaked dry flaked onion in a bowl.
- Mix until well blended and form into a ball shape.
- Roll the cheese ball in crushed nuts to coat evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing. If you want to spice things up, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or using a flavored mustard. If smoked ham is unavailable, finely chopped cooked bacon or deli meats can serve as suitable substitutes. Remember to soak the dry flaked onion to enhance its flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese ball is perfect for parties and pairs beautifully with crackers, fresh vegetables, or sliced baguette. For a festive touch, serve it alongside a selection of cured meats or cheeses. It also complements well with sweet elements like fruit preserves or honey. For more appetizer ideas, browse more Pork recipes to expand your menu.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It can also be wrapped in plastic wrap for added protection. If you want to enjoy it warm later, allow it to come to room temperature before serving, or gently reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, ensuring not to melt the cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fred'S Cheese Ball contains roughly 179 calories, with 3g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g 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?
Absolutely! This cheese ball can be made up to two days in advance. After shaping and coating it in nuts, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly for easier spreading.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or a vegan cream cheese alternative. Both options will change the flavor slightly but will still yield a delicious cheese ball. Just ensure that the substitute is thick enough to hold its shape when rolled into a ball.
How can I make this dish more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of your cheese ball, try adding fresh herbs like chives or parsley. You could also incorporate spices like paprika or garlic powder. Additionally, mixing in finely chopped pickles or olives can provide an extra layer of flavor that complements the smoky ham.
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).