Christmas Cheese Ball
An Eye-Catching Spread for Crackers
Do you enjoy cheese balls? Oftentimes, at a gathering, the hostess serves a cheese ball with crackers. These look impressive coated with chopped nuts—and they make such a great spread for crackers.
Cheese balls are very easy to put together, and once you've made your first one, you'll wonder why you put off trying to do it for so long. They are so quick, you may find yourself making them for each gathering or whipping one up to take to a potluck.
A cheese ball is especially nice to serve at Christmas time—something a little special to add to the menu. It can be a focal point, surrounded by an assortment of crackers.
The recipe I'm sharing here is made with Hellman's mayonnaise, and I'm sure you'll agree that the addition of chopped walnuts gives it the wow factor.
I served this to my guests, and they raved about it. By evening's end, it was gone. I had to make another for a second batch of company that was coming.
You can make this ahead of time and chill before your company arrives, then all you do is place it on a platter—or, easier still, if you have a cheese ball server, you can simply use that. You will want to include a small knife for spreading the cream cheese.
Cheese Ball Recipe
- 1 8 oz. pkg cream cheese
- 1/4 cup Hellman's mayonaise
- 1/2 small tin ground ham or turkey (flake with fork)
- 1/4 tsp. Tobasco sauce or hot sauce
- 1 tsp. minced onion (or dried onion flakes or chopped chives)
- 1-2 tsp. chopped parsley (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- a shake of paprika
Mixing Cream Cheese & Mayonaise
A Velvety Inner Texture
Savory ingredients add to the taste and texture of this cheese ball.
- Mix cream cheese and mayonaise with a wooden spoon.
- Add flaked ham and gently fold in.
- Add Tabasco sauce, onion & paprika to taste.
- Mix in parsley or pat around outside of cheese ball.
- Coat the cheese ball with the chopped nuts until entire surface is covered.
- Chill for a couple of hours.
Adding Ham to Cheese Mixture
See How They're Made
Cheese ball recipes differ but the video gives an overview of the process.
Cheese Ball That is Perfect for Entertaining
Most people enjoy spreads. With its tasty flavor and nutty texture, this cheese ball is a winner and will do for get-togethers and other social occasions.
Have you ever made a cheese ball?
Questions & Answers
© 2007 Athlyn Green
Comments
AUTHORThe shortbread recipe is one of my favorites, as is the cheesecake and the Reeces Pieces squares.
Looks lovely will try it out soon. Cheese and Ground meat sounds lovely. Cheers.
- AUTHOR
Thanks and Merry Christmas, everyone.
Saved and printed for Val to make for New Year. Christamas day is happening to day monday
I especially like this, because I've had to eliminate a lot of cheeses from my diet to watch my cholesterol. Mayo, and cream cheese in moderation are allowed. So I can actually have this! Yay!
- AUTHOR
Hi Veronica. It it easy to make and makes a good cracker spread. The nuts really add something.
This sounds yummy!
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