Cheese Ball Recipe With Ham

Unlike store-bought versions, this homemade cheese ball offers fresh ingredients and customizable flavors. The combination of shredded cheddar, cream cheese, chopped ham, and a few savory seasonings creates a rich, tangy bite with a smoky finish. Best of all, it can be made ahead of time, making party prep stress-free. Serve it chilled for a refreshing contrast, or let it soften slightly at room temperature for the perfect dipping consistency.

Cheese Ball Recipe With Ham

Recipe by Chef Sadat KhizarCourse: AppetizerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Calories

200

kcal

Cheese Ball Recipe With Ham

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup finely chopped ham

• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts) for coating

Directions

• In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped ham, green onions, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper.
• Using a hand mixer or spoon, blend everything together until smooth and well-combined.
• Once the mixture is fully combined, shape it into a ball using your hands.
• If you’d like to add some extra texture, roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans or walnuts to coat it evenly.
• Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
• After chilling, serve the cheese ball with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables for dipping. Enjoy!

Recipe Video

Serving Suggestions

This ham cheese ball pairs beautifully with a variety of dippers. Serve it with buttery crackers, pretzel sticks, sliced baguette, or fresh veggies like celery and bell pepper strips. For a seasonal twist, arrange the ball on a charcuterie board with grapes, pickles, nuts, and other cheeses. You can also shape it into a festive form—like a pinecone or football—for themed parties.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Want to make this recipe ahead of time? You’re in luck. This cheese ball stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. For best texture, let it sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes before serving. Avoid freezing, as it may affect the creamy consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! While cheddar is classic, you can use Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist.

Can I make this cheese ball without nuts?
Absolutely. If you’re avoiding nuts, simply roll the cheese ball in chopped parsley, crushed crackers, or crispy bacon bits instead.

What type of ham works best?
Use fully cooked ham—leftover holiday ham, deli-sliced ham, or even diced ham steaks all work well.

How far in advance can I make a cheese ball?
You can prepare it up to 2–3 days ahead. Just keep it well-wrapped and refrigerated until ready to serve.

Can I freeze a cheese ball?
Freezing isn’t recommended for cheese balls with cream cheese, as it can become grainy after thawing.