Ham and Cheese Ball with Roasted Pecans

Elevate your appetizer game with this irresistible Ham and Cheese Ball with Roasted Pecans—a creamy, savory delight perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or casual entertaining. This easy-to-make recipe combines rich cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and smoky, diced ham, accented with fresh green onions, garlic powder, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a flavor-packed bite. The cheese mixture is chilled to perfection, then rolled in crunchy, fragrant roasted pecans for an irresistible textural contrast. Topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color, this crowd-pleasing cheese ball pairs beautifully with your favorite crackers or bread. With just 20 minutes of prep, this make-ahead appetizer is simple, elegant, and guarantees rave reviews.

Nutriscore Rating: 47/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:5 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 16 ounces Cream cheese
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Cooked ham, finely chopped
• 3 stalks Green onions, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1.5 cups Pecans, finely chopped and roasted
• 2 tablespoons Parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
• 0 optional Crackers or bread, for serving

Directions

Step 1

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped ham, green onions, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2

2. Using a hand mixer or a spoon, mix until well combined and smooth.

Step 3

3. Shape the mixture into a ball using your hands. Wrap the ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to firm up.

Step 4

4. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chopped pecans evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 5–7 minutes or until fragrant. Remove from the oven and let the pecans cool completely.

Step 5

5. Once the pecans are cool and the cheese ball has been refrigerated, roll the cheese ball in the roasted pecans, pressing gently to ensure the pecans adhere to the surface.

Step 6

6. If desired, sprinkle the finished cheese ball with chopped parsley for added color.

Step 7

7. Serve the cheese ball with crackers or slices of bread. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1155.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4088.0

Total Fat 363.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 155.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.7g
Cholesterol 816.2mg	0%
Sodium 7077.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 78.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.3g	0%
Total Sugars 28.8g
Protein 154.0g	0%

Vitamin D 48.0IU	0%
Calcium 2231.5mg	0%
Iron 9.2mg	0%
Potassium 2348.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 77.9%

Protein: 14.7%

Carbs: 7.4%