This Ham and Cheddar Cheese Ball made with smoky ham, sharp cheddar cheese, and cream cheese is a delicious twist on the classic party appetizer. It's a great choice for game days, holidays, or barbecues.
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Two Bite Tested
This cheese ball appetizer is popular because:
- It uses a food processor for easy mixing
- It can be made in advance
- It has a picture-worthy presentation
This recipe has been tested and retested in my own kitchen to make sure it works consistently and includes ingredient notes, answers to frequently asked questions, serving and storage suggestions, a detailed recipe card, and nutritional information.
A Note From My Kitchen
When I think of classic party appetizers, a cheese ball is one of the first things that comes to mind. It's no surprise because cheese balls have had a pretty good run in the culinary world!
What was once an epic new idea on the food scene in the mid-1900s, the humble cheese ball gained popularity in the '70s and is still going strong today.
Cheese balls are super fun because they can be dressed up with different flavors by adding or mix-ins in to the cream cheese base. Think herbs, bacon, spices, and even fruit. You can also sub different cheeses to give your cheese ball a whole new flavor profile.
Cheeseballs are also super fun for holidays and can be themed for Christmas or Thanksgiving, like this turkey cheeseball. Love!
This cheese ball embraces the classic cheddar but is elevated by the addition of smokey, salty, ham. We all know ham and cheese go together like peas and carrots, so this cheese ball is a natural winner. I hope you love it as much as I do!
Happy cooking,
Ingredients
- Deli ham: Thin-sliced deli ham works best. Smoky tavern ham, honey ham, maple ham, or leftover cooked ham can all be used.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended, but mild or medium cheddar may be substituted if preferred.
- Cream cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese that has been softened.
- Pecans: Finely chopped pecans are best for coating the outside of the cheese ball.
- Onion: A small yellow or white onion works well. Cut into wedges before using.
- Seasoned salt: This ingredient is optional and may be omitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of ham is best for a ham and cheese ball?
This cheese ball can be made with whatever kind of ham you have on hand. My favorite is the taste smokey tavern ham, but you could also try using sweet honey or maple ham. If you have leftovers from a whole ham, you can use that, too! Try substituting the deli ham with leftover ham from Easter or Christmas.Does it matter what kind of cheddar cheese I use?
This recipe is best made with sharp cheddar cheese. Mild or medium cheddar can be substituted if that's all you have, but the flavor will be best with a sharper cheese.Can a ham and cheddar cheese ball be made in advance?
Yes, this cheese ball can be made ahead of time! You can make this cheese all up to three days in advance. Prepare until the chilling step and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just before serving, roll in the chopped pecans.How many people does a cheese ball feed?
This cheese ball is a large cheese ball! It can easily feed 12-15 people as a party appetizer. If you are feeding a smaller crowd or serving as a snack, the recipe can be halved.
Two Bite Take
"I love that I can make this in advance. All you have to do is roll it in the chopped pecans before you're ready to serve it!"
- Becky Tarala
Serving Suggestions
What to Serve With Ham and Cheddar Cheese Ball
Cheese balls are traditionally served with crackers. You can also try serving your cheese ball with vegetables, pretzels, pita chips, or bagel chips.Ham Cheese Ball Variations
Cheese balls can be dressed up with different flavors by adding or mix-ins in to the cream cheese base.- Add chopped herbs or green onions for a fresh twist.
- Add bacon to make a double meat cheese ball.
- Add fruit like a few tablespoons of chopped pineapple for a sweet and savory option.
- Sub different cheeses to give your cheese ball a whole new flavor profile.
Got Leftovers?
What To Do With Leftover Ham and Cheddar Cheese Ball
Leftover cheese ball can be used as a spread or filling in other dishes after it has already been made.- Spread it on sandwiches.
- Stir it into warm cooked pasta as a creamy sauce base.
- Use it as a filling for wraps.
- Spread it on toast or bagels.
- Use it as a topping for baked potatoes.
How To Store Ham and Cheddar Cheese Ball
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Ham and Cheddar Cheese Ball
Yield: 12 to 15 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
This Ham and Cheddar Cheese Ball made with smoky ham, sharp cheddar, and cream cheese is a delicious twist on the classic party appetizer.
INGREDIENTS
1/2 pound thin deli ham, roughly chopped
1/2 small onion, cut into wedges
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup pecans, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt, optional
1/2 pound thin deli ham, roughly chopped
1/2 small onion, cut into wedges
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup pecans, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt, optional
INSTRUCTIONS
- Add the chopped ham and onion to your food processor and pulse to finely chop.
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of the shredded cheddar cheese and set aside. Add the remaining shredded cheddar cheese to the food processor and pulse to combine.
- Add the cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder to the food processor and process until smooth, stopping to scrape the sides as necessary.
- Line a large bowl with plastic wrap and scrape the cream cheese mixture into the bowl. Wrap the plastic wrap around the cheese and shape it into a ball. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Combine the chopped pecans, reserved cheddar cheese, and optional seasoned salt and spread onto a plate. Place the cheese ball on the pecan mixture and use your hands to gently press the pecans onto the cheese ball to coat.
NOTES
Recipe can be halved.
Author: Becky Tarala
Recipe can be halved.
Author: Becky Tarala
Behind the Bites
Hi, I’m Becky, the creator of The Two Bite Club, where
good food starts with two bites. I’ve been cooking and sharing
recipes here for years, focusing on easy dishes that become family
favorites. I’m glad you’re here! You can learn more about me and the blog
here.
