Spinach, Smoked Salmon And Cheddar Cheese Ball
A rich and creamy spinach and smoked salmon cheese ball, perfect for entertaining or as an elegant appetizer. The combination of smoky salmon, tender spinach, sharp cheddar, and Dijon mustard creates a flavorful and sophisticated dish that appeals to seafood lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, divided ⓘ
- 1 cup flour, divided ⓘ
- 1 quart chicken stock ⓘ
- 1/2 pound sliced mushrooms, sautéed ⓘ
- 1 cup heavy cream ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups Grey Poupon Dijon mustard, divided ⓘ
- 1/2 pound onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 1 pound frozen spinach, drained and chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1 pound smoked salmon, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 8 eggs, separated ⓘ
- 2 c. half and half ⓘ
Instructions
- In a heavy bottom saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter.
- Add 1/2 cup of flour and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add chicken stock and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring often.
- Strain the mixture and add sautéed mushrooms, heavy cream, and 1 cup of Dijon mustard; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, then hold for serving.
- In a separate bowl, combine chopped smoked salmon, chopped drained spinach, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and nutmeg.
- Add the egg yolks to the mixture and combine well.
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the salmon and spinach mixture.
- Shape the mixture into a ball or desired shape and chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding more sour cream or cream cheese to the salmon and spinach mixture. If you're out of Dijon mustard, whole grain or yellow mustard can work as substitutes. Make sure to thoroughly drain the spinach to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the consistency of your cheese ball. You can also experiment with different cheeses like cream cheese or feta for a unique flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese ball pairs beautifully with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks. For a complete appetizer spread, consider serving it alongside Chicken And Gravy or Cream Of Mushroom Soup for a comforting meal. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional smoked salmon for an elegant touch. It's perfect for parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or serve cold as a spread. If you prefer a warm dip, you can bake it at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach, Smoked Salmon And Cheddar Cheese Ball contains roughly 2146 calories, with 29g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 182g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (95% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (65% of the Daily Value), and protein (58% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 778mg per serving (34% 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 mixture a day in advance. Shape it into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
What can I use instead of smoked salmon?
If you're not a fan of smoked salmon, you can substitute it with canned tuna, crab meat, or even diced cooked chicken for a different twist. Each will change the flavor profile, so adjust seasonings accordingly to suit your taste.
Can I freeze the cheese ball?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cheese ball before chilling. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing.
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).