John'S Cheese Ball
A savory cheese ball combining cream cheese, diced onion, Colby cheese, and corned beef or ham, perfect for parties and cheese platters with a smoky, cheesy flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese in the microwave.
- Add diced onion, diced Colby cheese, corned beef or ham, milk, garlic salt, onion salt, and liquid smoke to the softened cream cheese.
- Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into 2 small or 1 large cheese ball.
- Refrigerate until cold before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding herbs like chives or dill to the cheese mixture. If you don't have Colby cheese, cheddar is a great substitute that will still provide a rich taste. You can also use leftover corned beef or ham from other meals, such as in a Meat Pot Pie, to minimize waste and elevate this dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheese ball with an assortment of crackers, fresh veggies, or sliced baguette for dipping. It pairs beautifully with a side of sliced apples or grapes for a fresh contrast. For a complete appetizer spread, consider including it alongside dishes like Chicken Fried Steak Bake or Fantastic Rice Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. To serve after freezing, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before bringing it back to room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of John'S Cheese Ball contains roughly 230 calories, with 17g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 693mg per serving (30% 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?
Absolutely! This cheese ball can be made a day or two in advance. Just allow it to chill in the refrigerator to firm up, which also helps the flavors to meld beautifully. When ready to serve, simply take it out and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes for easier slicing.
What can I use instead of liquid smoke?
If you don't have liquid smoke on hand, you can achieve a similar smoky flavor by using smoked paprika or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce. These alternatives will still provide depth to the cheese ball without compromising the overall taste.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To adapt this cheese ball for a vegetarian diet, simply omit the corned beef or ham and add extra diced vegetables, like bell peppers or olives. You can also include a sprinkle of smoked paprika to maintain that smoky flavor without using 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).