Cheese Ball - Cream cheese, ham, cheddar, nuts & herbs
- 16 oz cream cheese (full-fat or reduced-fat)
- 1 cup ham, diced (deli or leftover)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (sharp or pepper jack as preferred)
- 1/3 cup green onions or chives, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup pecans, roasted and chopped
- Crackers, pita chips, or vegetables for serving
The Classic Cheese Ball is a popular American appetizer often served at parties and gatherings. It combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with the nutty crunch of chopped nuts and the fresh flavors of herbs and seasonings into one delicious and versatile spread. To prepare, cream cheese is softened and mixed with grated sharp cheddar or a cheese blend, plus seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or Worcestershire sauce, then formed into a ball and rolled in crushed nuts, typically pecans or walnuts, and chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill. The cheese ball can be served with a variety of crackers, sliced bread, or vegetable sticks, making it a perfect snack for any occasion. It is customary to chill the cheese ball before serving so that the flavors meld together and it retains its shape. Description by ChatGPT.
Welcome to the realm of easy and delightful appetizers! I'm Jill from The Carefree Kitchen, and today, I'm thrilled to share with you the perfect party pleaser: my Pecan-Crusted Ham and Cheddar Cheese Ball. This no-bake treat combines savory ham, sharp cheddar, and fresh green onions, all enveloped in a crunch of roasted pecans. It's a flavor-packed appetizer sure to impress your guests and make entertaining a breeze.
Ingredients:
- 16 oz cream cheese (full-fat or reduced-fat)
- 1 cup ham, diced (deli or leftover)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (sharp or pepper jack as preferred)
- 1/3 cup green onions or chives, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup pecans, roasted and chopped
- Crackers, pita chips, or vegetables for serving
Instructions:
1. In a medium mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese, diced ham, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic salt, and onion powder until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
2. Using the back of a spatula, shape the mixture into a rough ball. Set aside.
3. Place the roasted and chopped pecans on a flat surface.
4. With wet hands to avoid sticking, refine the shape of the cream cheese mixture into a smooth, even ball.
5. Gently roll the cheese ball in the chopped pecans, pressing lightly to adhere the nuts to the exterior. Ensure the entire surface is covered with pecans.
6. Transferring the pecan-coated ball onto a serving plate. If there are bare spots, hand-press additional pecans onto those areas to cover.
7. Garnish with additional green onions on top for visual appeal and a hint of the flavors within.
8. Serve the cheese ball surrounded by crackers, pita chips, or an assortment of fresh vegetables.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Equipment: Mixing bowl, spatula, chopping board, and knife.
Cooking Tips: For enhanced flavor, prepare the cheese ball a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Roll it in pecans just before serving to keep them crunchy.
Servings: 8-10
This delightful recipe is credited to Jill from The Carefree Kitchen, which can be found and followed for more delicious and easy family favorite dishes on her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCarefreeKitchen
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