Holiday Ham And Cheese Ball
A creamy, cheesy ham ball coated with crunchy walnuts, perfect for festive gatherings and appetizer platters, offering savory flavors with a hint of green chilies and scallions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, deviled ham, scallions, and chopped green chilies.
- Mix well until thoroughly blended.
- Shape the mixture into a ball.
- Roll the cheese ball in chopped walnuts until evenly coated.
- Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and chill.
- Remove from refrigerator to soften slightly before serving.
- Serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or using pepper jack cheese instead of Cheddar. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds can be a great substitute. Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing, and for a smoother texture, use a food processor to blend the ingredients. This cheese ball can be prepared a day in advance for enhanced flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Holiday Ham And Cheese Ball with a variety of crackers for a delightful appetizer. It pairs beautifully with a fresh vegetable platter or can be accompanied by a side of Rice Confetti Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with additional chopped scallions or herbs. This dish is perfect for gatherings or as a snack during game day.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be served cold. If you plan to store it longer, consider freezing it, but be aware that the texture may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Ham And Cheese Ball contains roughly 148 calories, with 4g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 10g 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 this cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this cheese ball a day in advance. Just shape it, roll it in walnuts, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it even tastier when served.
What can I use instead of deviled ham?
If you don't have deviled ham, you can substitute it with another type of spreadable meat, like potted meat or even finely chopped ham mixed with a bit of mustard and mayonnaise for flavor. This will still give you a similar taste profile.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the deviled ham and replace it with finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives. You can also add extra spices or herbs to enhance the flavor and maintain the deliciousness of the cheese ball.
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).