Cheese balls are a classic party appetizer, and this Ham Cheese Ball recipe is a variation you’re going to love. It combines the creaminess of cheese with the savory taste of ham, all rolled into a ball and coated with crunchy pecans for an irresistible finish. This recipe has been a staple in my family for years, and it never fails to be a hit at any gathering. The history of cheese balls dates back to the 1800s, and they’ve been a popular dish in the United States ever since. They’re incredibly versatile and can be made with a variety of ingredients, from different types of cheese and meats to spices and nuts. This Ham Cheese Ball is a testament to that versatility. The addition of ham gives it a hearty touch, while the Tabasco and dried mustard add a hint of spice that perfectly complements the cheese. What I love about this recipe is not only its delicious taste but also its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and a little chilling time, you can have a satisfying appetizer that’s sure to please a crowd. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead option for parties or holidays. Just prepare the cheese ball the day before, and you’re all set when it’s time to serve. So, why not give this Ham Cheese Ball recipe a try? I guarantee it’ll be a hit at your next party!
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 c. mayonnaise
- 2 c. ground, chopped ham
- 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 tsp. dried mustard
- 1/2 tsp. hot Tabasco
- 1 c. chopped pecans
Mixing Steps
- Cream the cream cheese and mayonnaise and add rest of ingredients except pecans.
- Chill 2 hours, then work into a ball and roll in chopped nuts.
- Serve with Wheatsworth crackers or Sociables.
Calorie: 250
Total cooking time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
The Ham Cheese Ball Saga
So there I was, staring down the barrel of another dinner party. Oh joy. The guests were expected in a few hours and I was still in my pajamas, racking my brain for something that meshed with ‘quick, easy, and impressively delicious’. Then, like a soft cheese spread on a hot cracker, it hit me: The Ham Cheese Ball!
Ingredients: The Usual Suspects
I scoured my fridge for my culinary arsenal. My eyes darted over the ingredients: 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened, 1/4 c. mayonnaise, 2 c. ground, chopped ham, 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley, 4 green onions, chopped, 1/4 tsp. dried mustard, 1/2 tsp. hot Tabasco, and 1 c. chopped pecans. There they stood, like the cast of a Hollywood blockbuster, ready for action.
The Creaming: It’s Not What You Think
First things first, I had to cream the cream cheese and mayonnaise. This is not as scandalous as it sounds, I promise. The cream cheese tried to put up a fight, but my trusty spatula showed it who’s boss. Add a dash of mayonnaise, and voila! We had the base of our scrumptious ham cheese ball.
The Mixture: A Harmonious Medley
Next, it was time for the supporting cast to make their entrance. The ground, chopped ham danced with the chopped parsley, and the green onions added a touch of color (and a bit of an attitude, if you ask me). A pinch of dried mustard and a dash of hot Tabasco joined in, turning this from a simple mixture into a full-blown party. And who doesn’t love a party in a bowl?
Chilling: Because Every Hero Needs a Break
After all the excitement, it was time to chill. No, not me. I mean, I would have loved to, but the ham cheese ball needed to chill for 2 hours. I slid the bowl into the fridge and leaned against the counter, a bead of sweat trailing down my forehead. Who knew cheese-ball-making could be so intense?
The Finale: Rollin’ with the Pecans
Finally, it was time for the moment of truth. I took the chilled mixture out of the fridge, worked it into a ball, and then rolled it generously in the chopped pecans. If I say so myself, it looked pretty darn impressive.
Serving: The Crowd Pleaser
Of course, no ham cheese ball is complete without the right crackers. Wheatsworth crackers or Sociables were my weapons of choice. As I set the final platter on the table, I could hear the doorbell. The guests had arrived. Time to serve up my masterpiece.
The Aftermath: Basking in Cheese Ball Glory
And there it was, my ham cheese ball, sitting pretty in the center of the table. It was the belle of the ball, the talk of the party, the…oh, you get the picture. Every bite was met with a chorus of “mmms” and “ahhs”. I stood in the corner, basking in the glory. Who knew a cheese ball could bring such joy?
So there you have it, folks. The tale of the Ham Cheese Ball. It goes to show you, no matter how daunting the task may seem, with the right ingredients and a little bit of humor, you too can conquer the kitchen. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some leftover cheese ball to attend to.
