Are you looking for an easy and delicious appetizer that will impress your guests? Look no further than this incredibly simple yet elegant ham and cheese ball recipe! This recipe is perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or a quick and satisfying snack. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining the savory flavors of ham and cheese with a creamy, flavorful texture. Get ready to elevate your snack game with this homemade masterpiece! This recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, showcasing delicious dishes without sacrificing ease of preparation.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cooked ham, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Crackers, breadsticks, or vegetables for serving
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and creamy. This is the base for our delicious ham cheese ball.
Add the Flavor:
- Stir in the chopped ham, cheddar cheese, green onions, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. The Worcestershire sauce adds a lovely depth of flavor; don't skip it!
Shape and Chill:
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Once everything is well combined, use your hands (or a spatula) to shape the mixture into a ball. This is where you can get creative! You can make a perfect sphere, or a slightly more rustic, irregular shape – it’s all delicious.
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Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese ball to firm up beautifully.
Serve and Enjoy:
- When ready to serve, unwrap the cheese ball and place it on a serving platter. Surround it with your choice of crackers, breadsticks, or vegetable sticks (such as celery, carrot, and cucumber) for dipping.
Tips for the Best Ham Cheese Ball:
- Soften the cream cheese properly: Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened for easy mixing and a smooth, creamy texture. You can achieve this by letting it sit at room temperature for a while, or by briefly microwaving it in short bursts.
- Don't overmix: Once all the ingredients are combined, avoid overmixing, as this can make the cheese ball tough.
- Get creative with the mix-ins: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, herbs, spices, or add-ins like chopped pecans or water chestnuts. Consider adding a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Variations:
- Spicy Ham Cheese Ball: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy twist.
- Herb Ham Cheese Ball: Incorporate fresh herbs like chives, dill, or parsley for a fresh and vibrant flavor profile.
- Bacon Ham Cheese Ball: Swap out some of the ham for crispy bacon bits for added texture and smoky flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This simple ham and cheese ball recipe is a testament to how easy it is to create impressive and delicious food recipes for any occasion. It’s a fantastic option for easy recipes, healthy meals, and quick dinner ideas, perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Enjoy!