Mammy'S Cheese Ball
Cream cheese and chopped deli ham come together in this savory cheese ball, perfect for parties and gatherings. Coated with crunchy pecans for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the cream cheese, chopped ham, and Italian dressing well.
- Chill the mixture until firm.
- Form the mixture into a ball shape.
- Roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans to coat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the deli ham with turkey or a vegetarian option like roasted red peppers for a meatless version. Consider adding spices like garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor. If you're short on time, you can skip the chilling step, but it enhances the flavor and makes shaping easier.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese ball is perfect for entertaining, served alongside crackers, fresh vegetables, or sliced baguette. It pairs beautifully with Pineapple Dressing(Ham'S Best Friend) for a sweet contrast. You can also serve it with a selection of meats and cheeses for a charcuterie board. Consider accompanying it with Granny Rolls to round out your appetizer spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To maintain its shape, wrap it in plastic wrap before placing it in the container. Avoid freezing as it can alter the texture. To serve leftovers, simply remove from the fridge and let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mammy'S Cheese Ball contains roughly 436 calories, with 6g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (17% of the Daily Value) and protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1524mg per serving (66% 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 in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball up to a day ahead of time. Just follow the recipe and store it tightly wrapped in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier.
What can I use instead of pecans for coating?
If you prefer a different nut, walnuts or almonds make great substitutes for coating the cheese ball. For a nut-free option, consider using crushed pretzels or breadcrumbs for added texture and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
This specific recipe contains deli ham, making it unsuitable for vegetarians. However, you can easily adapt it by omitting the ham and adding finely chopped vegetables or herbs for flavor, creating a delicious vegetarian 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).