Smoked Ham Cheese Ball
Creamy smoked ham cheese ball with chopped pecans, perfect for appetizers or parties, offering rich flavors and a savory crunch in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except pecans until well combined.
- Form the mixture into a ball shape.
- Roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans to coat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. Adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the flavor. Consider incorporating herbs like chives or dill for a fresh twist. This cheese ball is a fantastic addition to your holiday spread alongside American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the smoked ham cheese ball with an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetables, or toasted baguette slices for dipping. It pairs beautifully with Hearty Noodles or can be a delightful appetizer at parties. For a festive touch, garnish with additional parsley or serve alongside a selection of meats like Chipped Ham Sandwich.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving again. Rolling it in fresh pecans after thawing can help restore its original texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Smoked Ham Cheese Ball contains roughly 687 calories, with 11g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 970mg per serving (42% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you want to roll it in pecans, do that right before serving for the best texture.
What can I serve with the cheese ball?
This smoked ham cheese ball pairs well with a variety of dippers. Try serving it with whole grain crackers, crunchy vegetable sticks like celery and carrots, or slices of baguette. It also complements fruit spreads and pickles, adding a nice contrast to the rich flavors.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture may be slightly different. The cheese ball might not be as creamy and rich, so consider adding a bit more seasoning to enhance the flavor. Low-fat versions can still hold up well when mixed with the other ingredients.
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).