My brother, David, is one of the funniest people I’ve ever known. He doesn’t even have to try; he’s just naturally funny. One of the names he calls someone, if they’re doing something ridiculous is “cheese ball.” As in, “That guy is a real cheese ball.” This may not sound funny when I write it, but trust me, if Dave said it, it would be funny.
It’s with a huge grin on my face that I make this post. Maybe that’s why I’m finding everything about this recipe to be fun. It’s fun to make, fun to look at, fun to serve, and FUN TO EAT! It’ll add a “WOW” factor to your Thanksgiving gathering, and I promise, your family/friends/guests will be impressed!
So it’s with great pleasure that I dedicate this cheese ball to my favorite CHEESE BALL. Dave, this one’s for you!
Easy Step-By-Step Instructions for Making Harvest Ham and Cheddar Cheese Ball
In a food processor, pulse
1 cup (2 ounces) cheese flavored crackers
Process into fine crumbs, and set aside in a separate bowl.
Now, in the food processor combine
½ pound (8 ounces) ham, diced
4 green onions, chopped into 1 inch segments
Process until well minced.
Add
2 cups (8 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Pulse until well blended.
Now add to the food processor:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
Process until completely mixed.
With your hands, mix in
1 ½ teaspoons minced onion (dry)
Taste it, and add salt and pepper, if desired.
Usually, cheese balls are rolled in nuts, but this recipe isn’t. If you still want nuts, then mix in
½ cup chopped pecans
Shape mixture into a ball, and …
… press crumbs into it.
Wrap tightly in plastic, and …
… encircle across the center with one rubber band. Then place another one across perpendicularly in the opposite direction.
Repeat with the other 2 rubber bands to divide the “pumpkin” into 8 sections as shown.
Use your finger to make an indentation in the very center where all the bands meet.
Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Cut the stem from a pepper, and press it into the cheese ball.
Serve with crackers and veggies.
So delicious!
Free Printable Recipe for Harvest Ham and Cheddar Cheese Ball
- ½ pound ham, diced
- 4 green onions
- 2 cups (8 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ teaspoons minced onion (dry)
- 1 cup (2 ounces) cheese flavored crackers
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup chopped pecans, optional
- 4 rubber bands (not too stiff)
- In a food processor, pulse the cheese crackers into fine crumbs. Remove, and set aside.
- In the food processor, combine ham and green onion and process until well chopped. Add cheese and pulse until mixed. Add cream cheese, and process until well blended. Salt and pepper to taste. (Depending upon the saltiness of the ham, you may or may not need to season with additional salt.)
- Shape mixture into a ball, and press crumbs into it. Wrap in plastic, and encircle with all 4 rubber bands to form the shape of a pumpkin.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Serve with crackers or veggies.