Holiday Ham And Chili Cheese Ball
A savory holiday appetizer featuring a creamy cheese and ham mixture coated with crunchy chopped nuts. Flavored with cheddar, green chilies, and scallions, this cheese ball is perfect for festive gatherings, served with crackers. Its rich, tangy, and nutty flavors appeal to a wide range of guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine shredded Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, deviled ham, chopped scallions, and chopped green chilies; mix well.
- Shape the mixture into a ball.
- Roll the cheese ball in chopped walnuts until evenly coated.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator.
- Remove from refrigerator to soften slightly before serving.
- Serve with your favorite crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the deviled ham with canned tuna or chicken for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese instead of Cheddar. Pairing this cheese ball with a Spinach Salad And Dressing can balance the richness.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese ball is perfect as an appetizer for holiday gatherings. Serve it alongside an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetables, or even toasted baguette slices. It pairs beautifully with your favorite wines or festive cocktails, adding a delightful touch to any celebration.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain texture, allow the cheese ball to come to room temperature before serving again. If it becomes too firm, simply let it rest out of the fridge for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Ham And Chili Cheese Ball contains roughly 182 calories, with 6g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% 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 a day or two ahead of time. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste when you serve it.
What can I use instead of walnuts?
If you're not a fan of walnuts or have allergies, you can substitute them with pecans, almonds, or even crushed pretzels for added crunch. Each option will give a unique twist to the cheese ball while maintaining its delightful texture.
How can I customize the flavors of the cheese ball?
You can easily customize the cheese ball by adding different herbs like dill or parsley, or by incorporating spices such as smoked paprika or garlic powder. Experimenting with various cheeses can also yield delicious results, allowing you to create a unique 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).