Veggie Mound
Veggie Mound is a colorful and healthy appetizer platter featuring rolled ham with cream cheese, surrounded by fresh vegetables and cheeses. Perfect for parties or gatherings, it offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that appeal to both vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. sliced boiled ham
- 8 oz. cream cheese ⓘ
- large lettuce leaves ⓘ
- 3 large green peppers, cut in rings ⓘ
- 1 pkg. celery, cut in thin sticks ⓘ
- 5 large carrots, cut in thin sticks ⓘ
- 1 large head cauliflower, made into flowerets ⓘ
- 2 large pkg. radishes, cut in half
- 2 large slender cucumbers, not peeled, cut in thin slices ⓘ
- 1 head broccoli, made into flowerets ⓘ
- 8 oz. Colby cheese, cut in small chunks ⓘ
- 1 small jar green olives, drained ⓘ
- 1 large can pitted ripe olives, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- The night before, spread cream cheese on sliced boiled ham.
- Roll up the ham into logs.
- Refrigerate on a large tray.
- Arrange large lettuce leaves on a serving platter.
- Surround with green pepper rings, celery sticks, carrot sticks, cauliflower flowerets, radishes, cucumber slices, broccoli flowerets, and cheese chunks.
- Decorate with drained green olives and ripe olives as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
When preparing the Veggie Mound, consider using low-fat cream cheese for a lighter option. You can substitute the ham with turkey or a plant-based alternative for a different flavor profile. For added crunch, include some radicchio or thinly sliced jicama. If you're short on time, pre-sliced vegetables can be a great time-saver. Make sure to adjust seasoning to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Veggie Mound as an appetizer at gatherings or alongside a light salad for a refreshing meal. It pairs beautifully with Crunchy Pea Salad for a colorful spread. Consider adding a dip like ranch or hummus on the side for extra flavor. This dish is also perfect for picnics or potlucks, as it’s easy to transport and serve.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the veggies crisp, it's best to store them separately from the ham and cream cheese rolls. If you plan to serve leftovers, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to bring out the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Veggie Mound contains roughly 249 calories, with 9g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (109% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and potassium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1000mg per serving (43% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese ham rolls the night before and refrigerate them. It's best to assemble the Veggie Mound just before serving to keep the vegetables fresh and crisp.
What can I substitute for the cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for cream cheese. For a dairy-free version, try using a vegan cream cheese alternative or avocado spread for a creamy texture.
Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Some great alternatives include snap peas, cherry tomatoes, or even shredded cabbage for added crunch.
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).