Pastrami Cheese Ball
Cream cheese combined with pastrami, green onions, and seasonings creates a savory, flavorful cheese ball perfect for parties and appetizer spreads, appealing to meat lovers and cheese fans.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix softened cream cheese with Accent, Worcestershire sauce, chopped green onions, and a small amount of chopped pastrami until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a ball.
- Roll the cheese ball in the remaining chopped pastrami to coat thoroughly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier cheese ball, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute turkey pastrami with regular beef pastrami for a richer flavor. Adding a bit of garlic powder or smoked paprika can enhance the taste. If you want to make it spicier, consider mixing in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pastrami cheese ball with an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, or toasted baguette slices for a delightful appetizer. It pairs beautifully with a glass of wine or beer. For a themed spread, consider including elements from other American recipes, such as a fruit platter or a side of spicy mustard.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pastrami cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To maintain its texture, avoid freezing as it may become watery upon thawing. Serve chilled, and if you want to refresh its flavor, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pastrami Cheese Ball contains roughly 511 calories, with 14g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (60% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 897mg per serving (39% 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pastrami cheese ball a day in advance. Simply shape it, coat it in pastrami, and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely, enhancing the taste.
What can I use if I don't have Worcestershire sauce?
If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with soy sauce mixed with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for acidity. Another option is to use a homemade blend of soy sauce, ketchup, and a bit of hot sauce to achieve a similar flavor profile.
Is there a vegetarian version of this cheese ball?
Yes, for a vegetarian option, you can replace the pastrami with finely chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes. Additionally, you could add some smoked paprika or liquid smoke to replicate the smoky flavor typically found in pastrami.
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).