Zesty Ham Ball
A creamy, flavorful ham ball coated with parsley flakes, perfect as an appetizer or party snack, combining savory ham, smooth cheeses, and fresh herbs for a crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grind the sliced ham into very small pieces.
- In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise and cream cheese until well combined.
- Stir in the ground ham with a fork.
- Shape the mixture into a ball with your hands.
- Roll the ball in parsley flakes until coated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. If you're short on time, pre-packaged diced ham can be used as a substitute. Fresh herbs like dill can replace parsley for a different flavor. Adjust the cream cheese amount to your preference for a richer taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Zesty Ham Ball makes a fantastic appetizer for parties or family gatherings. Serve it with crackers or veggie sticks for dipping. It pairs beautifully with Orange Lettuce Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Bacon Cheese French Bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve again, allow the ham ball to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving, or gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds, ensuring it doesn't lose its shape.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zesty Ham Ball contains roughly 547 calories, with 8g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 665mg per serving (29% 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 use a different type of meat instead of ham?
Yes, you can substitute the ham with turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly, as these meats may have different flavor profiles than ham.
How long does this dish take to prepare?
The preparation time for the Zesty Ham Ball is about 15-20 minutes, plus an hour to chill in the refrigerator. This makes it a quick and easy appetizer to prepare for any gathering.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe can be made a day in advance. Just prepare the ham ball, roll it in parsley flakes, and store it in the refrigerator. It will develop even more flavor as it chills.
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).