This Ham Cheese Ball is creamy and flavorful with lots of smoky ham, Cheddar cheese, chives, walnuts and the perfect mix of sauces that will keep your guests coming back for more!
Serve with crackers, pretzels, bread or fresh veggies for a fun Holiday or party appetizer!
Ham Cheese Ball
Cheese balls are a bit old fashioned but good cheese balls like this one are always a hit! This Ham Cheese Ball makes for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s make-ahead, quick & easy to make 🙂
This Ham Cheese Ball Is:
- Creamy with a fun nutty crunch!
- Quick and easy!
- Packed with flavor thanks to the perfect mix of sauces and herbs!
- Make-Ahead!
- A crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love!
- Naturally gluten free.
Ingredients for Ham Cheese Ball
Cream cheese. Make sure it’s room temperature so it’s easier to mix.
Cheddar cheese. For best flavor, get a block of high-quality Cheddar cheese and shred it at home. I like using the bigger side of a grater but you can also shred it super fine.
Ham. We like using a smoky ham for this cheese ball.
Chives, for extra flavor and freshness.
Yellow mustard or dijon, for a some sharpness.
Worcestershire sauce, you can’t taste it but it adds that little oomph.
Brown sugar, to balance out flavors perfectly (it won’t taste sweet!).
Parsley, for the coating, it adds freshness and color!
Walnuts, for that fun coating crunch and mild nuttiness.
Optional: hot sauce for a fun spicy kick!
How to Make a Ham Cheese Ball
STEP ONE: Make the cheese ball mixture. In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese until creamy then add in the Cheddar cheese, ham, chives, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar and hot sauce (if using). Mix until combined, taste and adjust, if desired.
STEP TWO: Form into a ball. Place the cheese ball mixture onto a big layer of plastic wrap then shape into a round ball while wrapping. No need to touch the cheese ball with your hands, shape using the plastic wrap as you wrap.
STEP THREE: Chill for at least 1 hour or overnight or up to 1-2 days ahead of time.
STEP FOUR: Coat. Add the walnuts and parsley to a plate, unwrap the cheese ball and immediately roll into the coating until evenly coated then place onto a clean serving plate and enjoy! Cheese balls taste way more flavorful if you take them out about 15-20 minutes before serving.
Make-Ahead and Storing
Make-Ahead Instructions: Follow the recipe through Step 3 then chill overnight or up to 1-2 days ahead of time. Coat when ready to serve or the walnuts will soften up in the refrigerator.
Storing Instructions: Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days but keep in mind that the walnuts will become softer when stored.
HAPPY COOKING!! I hope you'll love this Ham Cheese Ball Recipe as much as I do!
PS: Please leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ if you make it! Your comments make my day!! You can also tag me on Instagram @itsdamnspicy 🌈💘
More Party Appetizers I think you'll love:
Ham Cheese Balls
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 and 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded Cheddar cheese (about 5.2 oz, you can add up to 2 cups which is 7 oz or 200 g)
- 6 oz (170 g) ham (finely diced, we like smoked ham but you can use your favorite ham)
- 1/4 cups (55 g) chopped chives
- 1 tbsp (15 g) yellow mustard (or 1-2 teaspoon Dijon)
- 1 and 1/2 tsp (7 g) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1-2 tbsp (3-6 g) fresh parsley (finely minced, for coating)
- 1/4 cup (25 g) walnuts (finely chopped, for coating)
Instructions
- Make the cheese ball mixture. In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese until creamy then add in the Cheddar cheese, ham, chives, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar and hot sauce (if using). Mix until combined, taste and adjust, if desired.
- Form into a ball. Place the cheese ball mixture onto a big layer of plastic wrap then shape into a round ball while wrapping. No need to touch the cheese ball with your hands, shape using the plastic wrap as you wrap.
- Chill for at least 1 hour so it can firm up and the flavors can bloom or overnight or up to 1-2 days ahead of time.
- Coat. Add the walnuts and parsley to a plate, unwrap the cheese ball and immediately roll into the coating until evenly coated then place onto a clean serving plate and enjoy! Cheese balls taste way more flavorful if you take them out about 15-20 minutes before serving.
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