Ham Cheese Ball

While classic cheese balls primarily use cream cheese with Cheddar cheese and spices, this ham cheese ball is going all out for flavor. It has cream cheese, deli ham, smoked Cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, scallions, parsley, scallions, garlic powder, and onion powder. It's then chilled and rolled in a combination of scallions and roughly chopped pecans.

Some people might argue cheese balls are passé. (We never would.) But for most Southerners, the cheese ball is the nostalgic appetizer we'll welcome at any party.

Learn how to make this classic ham and cheese ball for your next gathering.

Ham Cheese Ball Ingredients

For the base of this ham cheese ball, you will need:

• Cream cheese: This provides the creamy base of the mixture.
• Smoked deli ham: We like the extra flavor provided by the smoky ham, but classic deli ham will work, too.
• Smoked Cheddar cheese: Here again, the smoky flavors of the Cheddar add a great boost of flavor, but you can use regular Cheddar if you want. Go for an extra-sharp if you can't find smoked.
• Chives: Adds a great freshness to the deeply savory mixture.
• Worcestershire sauce: For a hit of umami flavor you can't usually get without cooking.
• Dijon mustard: Bright and tart, mustard is a good contrast to the ham.
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Deepens the flavor of the cheese ball.

To find, you'll roll the cheese ball in scallions, flat-leaf parsley, and pecans. You could do a coating of all pecans or all herbs, whatever you like.

How To Make a Ham Cheese Ball

The great thing about a cheese ball is that it comes together quickly (as long as you have the cream cheese softened), and it can be made in advance. Here's a brief outline of the process; the full recipe is further below:

• Step 1. Combine ingredients: Stir together the ham, cheeses, greens, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard, Worcestershire, and chives.
• Step 2. Chill mixture: Cover the bowl and chill for 30 minutes. 
• Step 3. Make pecan mixture: Next, combine pecans and the rest of the chives in a shallow dish.
• Step 4. Roll cheese ball in pecan mixture: Shape the cheese mixture into a ball, and roll it in the pecan mixture until it is evenly coated.
• Step 5. Refrigerate: Wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm (at least an hour) or until ready to serve (up to two days).

What Does a Ham Cheese Ball Taste Like?

This cheese ball recipe derives its distinct smokiness from both the smoked Cheddar as well as the ham; it's hearty and savory. Abundant parsley, green onions, and chives inside and out give this ball both freshness and color.

More typically, cheese ball recipes call for raw nuts. But because this one calls for toasted pecans, it has added crispiness as well as additional depth of flavor from the oils. Leave the nuts a bit chunkier for a more rustic, homemade vibe. 

Tips From the Southern Living Test Kitchen

Cheese balls are a snap to make, but we have a few tips to pass along after making dozens of them over the years:

• Watch your hands: Keeping your hands clean when you roll the nuts into the cheese ball is important for an appealing appearance—no sticky cheese ball mixture will be transferred to the outside. Try putting the nut mixture on a baking sheet and pressing the ball instead of rolling it in a dish to keep the outside-facing nuts clean and free from the cheese mixture.
• Soften in a hurry: If you're in a hurry and need to soften the cream cheese before using it, you can pop it in the microwave for two minutes at 50 percent power.

How To Serve Ham Cheese Ball

This flavorful and hearty party food is ideal for any holiday gathering, and would be a perfect game-day food, too. Serve it with crackers and toasted warm bread for spreading.

How To Store Ham Cheese Ball

You can keep the cheese ball, well wrapped, in a fridge up to 2 days. For added protection, store it in an airtight container so it doesn't absorb any other odors form your fridge. Slice off a little bit and enjoy with crackers for a snack or appetizer.

More Classic Cheese Balls

We've got plenty more delicious cheese balls to choose from. Try one of these next:

• Mama's Cheese Ball
  
• Mini Pimiento Cheese Balls
• 4-Ingredient Chicken Cheese Ball
• Feta-Olive-Fresh Herb Cheese Ball

Editorial contributions by Alesandra Dubin.