The Ultimate Creamy Retro Ham and Cheddar Party Ball Recipe

Noshing on this creamy retro ham and cheddar party ball brings back memories of elegant cocktail gatherings from decades past.

Vintage appetizers always spark conversation at social events.

Cheese lovers appreciate classic combinations that feel simultaneously familiar and exciting.

Small gatherings demand delightful finger foods that impress without complicated preparation.

Cold appetizers like this recipe simplify party planning while delivering maximum flavor.

Charcuterie boards everywhere welcome such delectable additions that blend smoky ham with sharp cheddar.

Serve this crowd-pleasing dish and watch guests marvel at your culinary skills.

Why Creamy Retro Ham And Cheddar Party Ball Is A Nostalgic Treat

• Craft Party Showstopper: This creamy ham and cheddar ball transforms ordinary appetizers into a stunning centerpiece that grabs attention at any gathering.
• Prep Like a Pro: Mix ingredients quickly in one bowl, shape effortlessly, and chill – minimal cooking skills required for maximum deliciousness.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Packed with zesty Dijon, savory ham, and sharp cheddar, this recipe delivers bold tastes that appeal to multiple palates.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this crowd-favorite appetizer in advance, allowing flavors to meld and reducing last-minute party stress while ensuring a delectable starter.

What You Need For Creamy Retro Ham And Cheddar Party Ball

• Cream Cheese: Provides a smooth and creamy foundation for the party ball.
• Ham: Adds a savory and classic protein element to the recipe.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp and tangy flavor throughout the dish.

• Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard: Creates a rich and tangy base that complements the ham and cheese.
• Green Onion, Parsley: Adds fresh, herbal notes and bright color to the mixture.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides depth and aromatic seasoning to the party ball.
• Worcestershire Sauce, Hot Sauce: Introduces complex and slightly spicy undertones.

• Freshly Ground Pepper: Offers a subtle heat and additional seasoning.
• Plastic Wrap: Used for shaping and storing the party ball.
• Crackers, Baguette Slices, Pita Chips: Serve as accompaniments for serving the cheese ball.

How To Make Creamy Retro Ham And Cheddar Party Ball

Step 1: Mixing Flavor Magic

Grab a medium mixing bowl and toss in softened cream cheese, flaky ham, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped green onions, fresh parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Use a hand mixer or strong spoon to blend everything into a smooth, dreamy mixture.

Sprinkle in some freshly ground pepper and give it a taste. Adjust seasonings until it’s perfectly delicious.

Step 2: Shaping the Cheese Ball

Spread two sheets of plastic wrap in a cross pattern on your work surface. Scoop the creamy mixture right into the center.

Wrap it up and gently shape into a beautiful round ball. Pop it into a small bowl to help maintain its shape, then slide into the refrigerator.

Let it chill and firm up for at least 4 hours.

Step 3: Creating the Cheesy Coating

Once the ball is firm, unwrap it and roll the entire surface in the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.

Make sure it’s completely covered in golden, cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Final Chill and Serve

Rewrap in fresh plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.

• Crispy crackers
• Sliced baguette
• Crunchy pita chips

Refrigerate any leftovers and enjoy within 4 days.

Pro Tips For Creamy Retro Ham And Cheddar Party Ball

• Chill the cheese ball thoroughly to enhance its flavor and firmness, allowing ingredients to meld together perfectly.
• Use high-quality sharp cheddar for a more intense, robust taste that elevates the entire appetizer.
• Pat the ham dry before mixing to prevent excess moisture from making the cheese ball soggy or runny.
• Choose room temperature cream cheese for smoother blending and easier mixing without lumps.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like dill or chives to personalize the flavor profile and add your unique touch.

Tasty Takes On Creamy Retro Ham And Cheddar Party Ball

• Spicy Southwest Fiesta Ball: Swap ham for chorizo, add diced jalapeños, blend in taco seasoning, and roll in crushed tortilla chips for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Cheese Ball: Replace ham with crumbled feta, mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and oregano, then coat with toasted pine nuts.
• Smoky Bacon Ranch Ball: Substitute ham with crispy bacon bits, incorporate ranch seasoning mix, and roll in chopped chives for a hearty appetizer sensation.
• Blue Cheese Walnut Edition: Trade ham for crumbled blue cheese, fold in toasted chopped walnuts, and coat with additional crushed nuts for rich, tangy flavor.

Perfect Pairings For Creamy Retro Ham And Cheddar Party Ball

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, creamy texture of the ham and cheese ball, enhancing its tangy Dijon and Worcestershire flavors.
• Complement with Crunchy Accompaniments: Choose hearty whole wheat crackers, rustic sourdough crostini, or seeded rye chips to provide a satisfying textural contrast against the smooth, velvety cheese mixture.
• Match with Bright Pickle Plate: Arrange quick-pickled cornichons, tangy dill pickles, or spicy pickled peppers alongside the party ball to add a sharp, acidic counterpoint that balances the creamy, savory spread.

How To Store Creamy Retro Ham And Cheddar Party Ball

• Refrigerate: Store the ham and cheddar party ball in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 4 days in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap the party ball securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Slice and Serve: Remove from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Use a sharp knife to slice or scoop onto crackers at room temperature for best flavor.
• Refresh: If the cheese coating looks dry, gently press additional shredded cheddar onto the surface just before serving to restore its creamy, cheesy appearance.

Creamy Retro Ham And Cheddar Party Ball FAQ Guide

• What ingredients make this ham and cheddar ball unique?

The combination of Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce adds depth and complexity to the classic ham and cheese flavors, creating a more sophisticated appetizer.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for preparing in advance. You can make the cheese ball up to 2 days before serving, which allows the flavors to meld and intensify in the refrigerator.

• Is this dish suitable for different dietary needs?

While not strictly low-fat, you can modify the recipe by using reduced-fat cream cheese and light mayonnaise to make it slightly healthier. However, it’s still a rich, indulgent appetizer.

Creamy Retro Ham and Cheddar Party Ball Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Nostalgic “creamy retro ham and cheddar party ball” delivers classic comfort with a playful twist. Retro appetizer perfection invites guests to savor rich, creamy flavors that dance between comfort and celebration.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (5 ounces / 142 grams) can flaked ham
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 heaping tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup finely diced green onion
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

Seasonings:

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1–2 drops hot sauce (optional)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blend cream cheese, ham, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, green onion, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and half the cheddar cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth and uniform.
2. Taste the mixture, seasoning with freshly ground pepper and adjusting flavors as needed for balanced taste profile.
3. Arrange plastic wrap in a cross formation on a clean surface, then transfer the creamy mixture to the center, carefully wrapping and molding into a compact spherical shape.
4. Refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball for 4 hours minimum, allowing ingredients to meld and texture to firm up completely.
5. Remove from refrigerator and unwrap, then generously coat the entire exterior with remaining shredded cheddar cheese, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage.
6. Return to refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes to set the cheese coating and enhance flavor integration.
7. Present on a decorative platter alongside crisp crackers, thinly sliced baguette, or crunchy pita chips for elegant entertaining.
8. Refrigerate any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container, consuming within 4 days for optimal freshness and taste.

Notes

• Adapt the heat level by adjusting hot sauce or adding chili flakes for spice lovers who want an extra kick.
• Swap out regular cheddar for smoked cheddar to elevate the flavor profile and add depth to the party ball.
• Consider using low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version without compromising taste.
• For gluten-sensitive guests, serve with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks as alternative dipping options.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg