Ham And Cheddar Cheese Ball Recipe

This classic Ham and Cheese Ball is made with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, and ham all covered in chopped pecans. It’s the perfect make-ahead no-bake appetizer for the holidays or game day parties.

If you’re looking for more cheese ball recipes, you can also try this Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball or Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball.

Ham and Cheese Ball

This Ham and Cheese Ball recipe is SO easy! It’s honestly one of the easiest appetizers ever, and it makes an appearance during every holiday season at my house. Cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, chopped ham, and seasoning are all combined into a dippable ball and covered in chopped pecans.

It’s a great appetizer recipe you can make in advance and pull out whenever you need it.  This cheese ball goes great with buttery crackers, tortilla chips, or even a veggie tray. Plus, you will love how simple it is to prep—especially during the holidays!

Ham and Cheddar Cheese Ball Video Tutorial

Recipe Tips and Substitutions

• This recipe can be made with or without nuts.  Either way, it tastes great. 
• If you’re a nut fan, toasted pecans work the best. Sliced Almonds work great too.  If you’re planning to use almonds, I’d be sure to have them sliced rather than chopped just because they can be a tough nut to chew. 
• Crumbled bacon, green onions, and parsley are all great garnishes for this easy cheese ball recipe.
• For more nut-free party recipes, give this jalapeño and bacon cheese appetizer a try.

Key Ingredients

• Cream Cheese – make sure your cream cheese is soft before trying ot mix with the rest of the ingredients.
• Deli Ham – diced deli ham or leftover holiday ham work great.
• Cheddar Cheese – I love the texture of mixing shredded cheese into a cheeseball. Any kind of cheddar or cheddar blend is great. For a little extra spice, you could also use pepper jack.
• Green Onions – sliced green onions add amazing flavor as well as color to the cheese ball. Chives would also work.
• Chopped Pecans – pecans are my favorite for this cheese ball because they are softer than other nuts. They will have the best flavor if you toast them so don’t skip this step! Walnuts or sliced almonds would also be good substitutes.

How to Soften Cream Cheese In the Microwave

If you forgot to set your cream cheese out so it could come up to room temperature, no worries.  You can soften it in just a minute in the microwave.  

• Unwrap the cream cheese.
• Place it flat on a paper plate.  (You can add 2 cream cheese blocks at a time.)
• Put the cream cheese in the microwave for 30 sec.  Take the cream cheese out and test to see if it’s soft enough yet. 
•  Continue heating for 30 seconds at a time until it’s easily spreadable.

How to Make This Ham and Cheese Ball

1. Mix the ingredients. Place cream cheese, ham, cheddar cheese, garlic salt, onion powder, green onions in a mixing bowl or stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Mix until well-combined.
2. Shape. Using a spatula, shape into a round ball.  (You can use your hands if you’d like but the rubber spatula works almost just as well and you don’t have to get your hands dirty.)
3. Roll in nuts. Toast the nuts in a pan on medium heat on the stovetop. Roll in toasted pecans until evenly covered.
4. Serve. Cover with plastic wrap until needed. When you’re ready to serve it, lay on a platter with your favorite buttery crackers and veggies. Enjoy!

Storing Instructions

• Refrigerator: wrap well in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To make ahead: hold off on adding the nuts around the outside and wrap well with plastic. This cheese ball can be made up to 3 days in advance. Add the nuts just before serving.

More of the Best Appetizer Recipes

• Garlic Steak Bites
• Loaded Potato Skins
• Italian Meatballs
• Steak Bites
• Mini Charcuterie Cups
• Flaming Hot Cheeto Chicken
• Easy Bruschetta Recipe
• Bacon Cheese ball
• Jalapeno Cheese Balls
• Artichoke Jalapeno Dip
• Baked Jalapeno Poppers
• Popper Dip
• Fruit Dip
• More Dip Recipes
• More Appetizer Recipes

This great holiday cheese ball is a Classic Cheese Ball Recipe is a Ham and Cheddar Cheese Ball Recipe. It’s made with cream cheese, green onions, and ham.  Perfect for your next family gathering or potluck.