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Your new go-to party appetizer
What’s not to love about a ham and cheese sandwich? They’re creamy, salty, and a little smokey. It’s the perfect combination!
I wanted to harness this comforting combination in a classic party appetizer… a Ham and Cheese Cheese Ball! This easy snack is made with cheddar and swiss cheese, smoked deli ham, dijon mustard, and toasted almonds. It’s so creamy, cheesy, and easy to spread on crackers, veggies, and more.
You may be thinking that cheese ball appetizers are pretty retro, but I don’t think they ever go out of style! The ingredients are simple, the flavors can be adjusted by the season, and it’s an easy and affordable snack to serve at any celebration. And at the end of the day, who can really say no to a ball of cheese?
If you’re as crazy about cheese ball appetizers as I am, then you’ll definitely want to try my Blue Cheese Cheese Ball and Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball!
Ham cheese ball ingredients
This cheese ball with ham is made from simple ingredients that, when combined together, turn into the most delicious cheesy spread!
Cream cheese and mayonnaise
These act as the creamy, smooth base of the cheese ball. They’re both essential for flavor, balance, and for easy spreading. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature at least an hour or two ahead of making the cheese ball or else it will be hard to put together.
Cheese
Wondering what kind of cheese goes best with ham? A combination of shredded mild cheddar cheese and baby swiss cheese is the best combo! Both taste creamy and buttery, offering a nice balance amongst the salty smoked deli ham.
If you can’t find baby swiss, the cheese ball is still tasty with only cheddar cheese. You can also use a classic swiss cheese, like Gruyere, for a stronger flavor.
Ham
Head to the deli counter and grab some smoked deli-style ham. When preparing the ham for the cheese ball, cut the slices into small, bite-sized pieces so your guests can have ham and cheese in every bite.
My favorite ham to use is Tavern Ham by Boar’s Head. The smokey flavors are so delicious and really make this easy appetizer special. If you really want to take it up a notch, mix in some crumbled bacon as well!
Flavor boosters
A mixture of green onions, fresh parsley, and dijon mustard really complete this cheese ball. They ensure every bite is bright, savory, and balanced.
Seasonings
A little garlic powder and cracked pepper help each bite taste extra savory while a pinch of cayenne brings a touch of heat!
Almonds
These crunchy almonds surround the finished cheese ball and give each bite a nice crunch. If you’d like, use smoked almonds for even more flavor.
How to make a ham and cheese ball
This cheese ball is a breeze to make, which leaves you with more time to prepare drinks and more snacks for the party. Here’s how it’s done:
Step 1. Beat the cream cheese with an electric hand mixer until light and fluffy.
Step 2. Add the rest of the base ingredients to the bowl of cream cheese.
Step 3. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 4. Form the mixture into a ball and wrap in a piece of parchment paper.
Step 5. Once chilled roll the ball in chopped almonds and parsley and serve!
How to serve a ham and cheese ball
Get out the cheese knife because it’s time to spread this savory snack on all kinds of delicious crudites, like:
- Crackers
- Crostini
- Sliced radishes
- Crusty bread
- Pita chips
- Bell peppers and cucumbers
- Carrots and celery
- Potato chips
If you’re feeling fancy, pop the cheese ball in the middle of a meat and cheese board and serve a large batch of hibiscus lime punch on the side. It’s enough to make all of your guests happy!
Can you make a cheese ball ahead of time?
Absolutely! There are a few ways you can prepare this cheese ball ahead to save time:
- Toast the almonds - Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week ahead of making the cheese ball (or buy toasted unsalted almonds instead of making them yourself).
- Assemble the cheese ball - After you roll it into a ball, wrap the cheesy mixture in plastic and store in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 or 5 days in advance. Make sure you don’t roll it in the chopped nuts and parsley until it’s time to serve.
How long will it last?
Ham and cheese balls (without being rolled in the almonds and parsley) store nicely in the fridge for 4 or 5 days. Keep it stored in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic.
Recipe
Ham and Cheese Cheese Ball
Equipment
- hand mixer
- parchment paper
- chef knife
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded swiss cheese
- 6 ounces chopped deli-style smoked ham
- ¼ cup minced green onion
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- Pinch Pepper
- 3 tablespoon Parsley divided
- ¼ cup raw unsalted almonds
Instructions
- Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until light and fluffy, about 1 minute.
- Add cheeses, ham, green onion, mayo, dijon, garlic powder, pepper, cayenne and 1 tablespoon parsley, Mix together on low speed until uniform.
- Form cheese mixture into a ball and wrap tightly in parchment paper. Chill for at least 1 hour.
- While the cheese mixture is chilling, toast the pecans. Bake at 350 degrees on a baking sheet until golden, about 10 minutes.
- Once nuts have cooled, finely chop them and mix with the remaining 2 tablespoons parsley.
- Once chilled, unwrap the cheese ball, reshape if desired, and roll in the chopped almond and parsley mixture until evenly coated.
- Serve at room temperature with your favorite crackers!
Marann says
I made this and it was a hit. But I still have left overs. Can it be frozen? Thanks for an easy and delicious recipe. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Michelle Weiner says
I am so glad you all loved it! I personally have not tested freezing this recipe, so I can't say how it will do. I normally don't like to freeze anything with cream cheese that won't be cooked eventually. If you did try freezing the leftovers please let me know how it went!