Ham Cheese Balls
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!
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.
Notes
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.
Nutrition
Calories: 264kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 12gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 63mgSodium: 529mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 691IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 187mgIron: 1mg
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