Party Ham Ball
A savory ham ball coated with slices of ham, creamy cheese, and flavorful seasonings, perfect for parties and served with crackers for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Reserve 4 slices of ham.
- Mix all ingredients together by hand, including chopping the ham before combining.
- Shape the mixture into a ball and chill overnight.
- Before serving, wrap 4 pieces of ham around the ball and secure with toothpicks.
- Serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked ham instead of regular ham. If you want to reduce calories, low-fat cream cheese can be substituted without sacrificing too much taste. When mixing, ensure the ham is finely chopped for better texture. You can also add finely chopped green onions or herbs for a fresh twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Party Ham Ball alongside a variety of crackers for an appealing appetizer spread. It pairs beautifully with Springtime Pea Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a complete gathering, consider offering additional sides like Cheese Strips or a vegetable platter to balance the richness of the ham ball.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until slightly softened, but avoid overheating to maintain the texture. The flavors will continue to meld and improve after a day in the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Party Ham Ball contains roughly 33 calories, with 1g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 2g 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 the ham ball in advance?
Yes, the ham ball can be made a day ahead of your party. Just shape it, chill overnight, and wrap it with ham just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a good substitute for a similar umami flavor. Additionally, you can mix in a bit of vinegar and a pinch of sugar to mimic the sweet and tangy notes of Worcestershire.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it primarily uses meat and cream cheese. However, ensure that the Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten. Also, serve with gluten-free crackers for a completely gluten-free appetizer.
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).