Cheese balls are kind of retro, but they're a classic for a reason. My family asks me to make this during the holidays, and we also enjoy it as part of our game-watching snacks. Cream cheese is flavored with ham & cheese, green onion, dry ranch dressing, and a bit of Tabasco for a kick. Roll in a ball and coat with nuts...and you've got a delicious appetizer in about 15 minutes. Let me show you how simple this cheese ball is to make!
All American Ranch Cheese Ball
a Weekend Gourmet original
Step 1: Combine the following ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer: 12 ounces softened cream cheese (1.5 packages), 3 thinly sliced green onions, 1/2 cup chopped thin-sliced deli ham, 1 cup shredded co-jack cheese, 2 tbs. dry ranch dressing mix, 3 tbs. half and half (or milk), and 1 tbs. Tabasco.
Step 2: Combine the ingredients on low speed until everything is evenly combined. You may have to stop to scrape down the mixture to make sure there aren't any white streaks of cream cheese. It takes 1-2 minutes to do this. Shape the mixture into a ball with your hands and place on a serving plate. Coat with chopped pecans. I find the easiest way to do this is to put the nuts in my hands and press them into the top and then sides of the cheese ball. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving, but overnight is best to really let the flavors develop.
An alternate serving method that I used for some of my cheese ball mixture is to make bite-sized cheese ball truffles. Simple roll the mixture in bite-sized balls and coat in chopped pecans or chopped parsley. Stick a ruffled toothpick in so they're easy for everyone to pick up. Since the large cheese ball is being served while we watch the Super Bowl, I cut one of the cheese ball truffles in half so you can see the inside. I serve the cheese ball with an assortment of sturdy crackers.
This cheese ball is creamy and full of flavors that most everyone loves. The ranch flavor isn't overpowering, and the Tabasco gives each bite a subtle heat. I usually remove the cheese ball/truffles from the fridge about 30 minutes before I'm ready to serve so some it's easier to cut and spread.
Wait until you see all the fabulous Super Bowl treats my fellow #SundaySupper bloggers are sharing today! We're having a Tweet chat tonight at 600 CST to talk about our favorite Super Bowl treats. I'll be checking in between plays...my Texans didn't make it to the Super Bowl this year...and the Ravens are our division rivals, so we're cheering for San Francisco. Of course, we're geeked about all the fabulous commercials and Beyonce's halftime performance too! While you're waiting for kickoff, go check out these fabulous treats:
#SundaySupper Super Bowl Appetizers & Snacks:
- All American Ranch Cheese Ball from The Weekend Gourmet
- Arancinis from My Cute Bride
- Bacon Double Cheese Burger Dip from In the Kitchen with KP
- Bacon Kettle Corn from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
- Baked Crab Cakes from The Meltaways
- Buffalo Chicken filled Pull-Apart Loaf from Small Wallet Big Appetite
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza On A Stick from Neighborfood
- Buffalo Tofu Bites from Soni’s Food
- Buttermilk Fried Pickles from Mooshu Jenne
- Cheeseburger Bites from Momma’s Meals
- Cheesy Jalapeno Popper Dip from Daily Dish Recipes
- Chorizo and Goat Cheese Stuffed Dates in a Smokey Tomato Sauce from The Roxx Box
- Cranberry Glazed Meatballs from Curious Cuisiniere
- Easy White Queso with Chorizo from Supper for a Steal
- Eggplant Lentil Fritters With Orange Salsa from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
- #GlutenFree 7 Layer Bean Dip from Cooking Underwriter
- Gulf Coast Smoked Tuna Dip from 30A Eats
- Ham & Cheese Crescents from Masala Herb
- Ham Crescents {Schinkenhoernle} #DairyFree from Galactopdx
- Little Filo Cheese Rolls from Food Lust People Love
- Mini Crab Bites from Webicurean
- Muffuletta Skewers from Magnolia Days
- Peach Jalapeno Fritters from I Run for Wine
- Philly Cheesesteak Bites from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Pizza Pretzel Rolls from Cravings of a Lunatic
- Pizza Wontons from Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Refried Black Beans with Pita Chips from Basic N Delicious
- Roasted Garlic-Bacon Dip from girlichef
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Stamp & Go! from The Lovely Pantry
- Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Dates from Noshing with the Nolands
- Tandoori Spiced Popcorn from MarocMama
- Wonton Cones Filled with Oriental Salad from Simply Gourmet
#SundaySupper Super Bowl Main Dishes:
- Bacon-Wrapped Chili Cheese Dogs from Damn Delicious
- Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Sandwiches from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders from The Foodie Army Wife
- Chicken in Passion Fruit Crunch from The Urban Mrs.
- Four Quarters “Grilled” Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches with Bleu Cheese Veggie Slaw fromMama.Mommy.Mom
- Green Chile Cheeseburgers from Juanita’s Cocina
- Grilled Pizza with Sausage and Spinach from Ruffles & Truffles
- Ham and Cheese Sliders from Hip Foodie Mom
- Marinated Rump Steak with Chimichurri Sliders from Vintage Kitchen Notes
- Meatball Sub Sliders from Country Girl in the Village
- Oven-Fried Catfish Fingers with Mango-Chili Dip from Pescetarian Journal
- Pigs in Sleeping Bags from Comfy Cuisine
- Turkey Sliders with Roasted Tomatoes from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Vegan “Hamburger Helper” Soup from What Smells So Good?
#SundaySupper Super Bowl Desserts:
- Marshmallow Caramel Corn from Mom’s Test Kitchen
- Shortbread Brownies from Baker Street
- Smores Blossom Cookies from Chocolate Moosey
- Sweet Little Pastries from Happy Baking Days
- Sweet Potato Cake Pops from Ninja Baking
- Toddler Truffles from In the Kitchen with Audrey
#SundaySupper Super Bowl Tablescape: 10 Tips For A Winning Superbowl Buffet Table fromAn Appealing Plan
For many years, my mother always bought my grandmother a Hickory Farms cheeseball at Christmas time because she loved them so. I think I'll make her one of yours next time I visit. I am sure she will be thrilled! Easy to see why your family always requests this!
ReplyDeleteThe heat is very much in the background, but feel free to leave out the Tabasco if she's not into even mild heat.
DeleteOh, no! We are from New Iberia, Louisiana, home of Tabasco which is made on nearby Avery Island. I think your recipe is perfect just as is. But thank you!
DeleteI'm a huge fan of cheeseballs. This one with the ham is great because it is like a meat and cheese tray rolled up into a ball. Yum!
ReplyDeleteThat's why I call it All American...ham & cheese is definitely that!
DeleteLove cheeseballs and the little ones are so cute!! Great recipe! I bet they taste so good! Yum!
ReplyDeleteIf you can make it a day ahead, the flavors are even better after overnight in the fridge!
DeleteI love the idea of a few make ahead party recipes! Your cheeseball sounds like a hit...and a wonderful classic that will never go out of favor!
ReplyDeleteI always pick one appetizer that I can make ahead...makes party day prep less stressful.
DeleteI love the idea of cheeseball truffles! That way everyone gets their own and no double dipping!
ReplyDeleteIt makes it much easier to grab and go, but sometimes time is short and I just make one large cheese ball.
DeleteI like the bite sized cheeseballs. I remember one of my relatives making these years ago. Great game day recipe share!
ReplyDeleteYou can make them really small so you can just pop 'em. These are 2-3 bites...
DeleteI love Cheese Balls! SO fun and great for dipping. Yum!
ReplyDeleteFun...yummy...and quick to make! Perfection in my book!!
DeleteYum! Love the bite sized cheese balls! Thanks for sharing in our Super Bowl #SundaySupper!
ReplyDeleteLooks like the bite-sized cheese ball truffles are the most popular option. Either way, have fun!
DeleteThe cheese ball truffles are so cute and a great serving idea!
ReplyDeletePortion control...and pretty cute!
DeleteI wouldn't share this with anyone.
ReplyDeleteYeah...maybe the minis are best for you, Jen. That way, you can claim some as "just for you!"
DeleteYummm! I love the idea of making the small cheese ball truffles: perfect for a party! Also - random side note...the sturdy cracker phrase definitely reminds me of an episode of How I Met Your Mother... "I gave you one thing to do Marshall, one thing!" "One thing? One thing? Wow. Really? So, I guess that gouda just walked itself right through the door, sliced itself up, and arranged itself in a perfect semi-circle around not three, not four, but FIVE different kinds of sturdy, cheese-bearing crackers." "YOU'RE a sturdy, cheese-bearing cracker!"
ReplyDeleteI've never watched that show...I'm lame and watch very few series. I do love Curb Your Enthusiasm and Girls on HBO, though...and True Blood.
DeleteThose cheeseball truffles look incredible! Yum!
ReplyDeleteThey are pretty tasty, I have to admit!
DeleteOh, I love a good cheese ball recipe! Will definitely be using this one soon.
ReplyDeleteIt is really good...as in people keep going back for more.
DeleteWhat an awesome Cheese Ball! Love this recipe!
ReplyDeleteI'm surprised I haven't shared this recipe in here so far...we have it every Thanksgiving and during several games each season.
DeleteThis looks great! I love cheese ball - fantastic recipe! ~ Bea @ galactosemia in PDX
ReplyDeleteThis basic framework is pretty adaptable for food allergies/restrictions. Have fun with it!
DeleteNothing beats a good cheese ball, I haven't had one forever!!
ReplyDeleteMake one for your next party...everyone seems to love them, and they're a snap to make!
DeleteThis is the perfect superbowl recipe. Cheese and ranch and I am there! I mentioned you in my proper blogging etiquette post today as one of the great proper bloggers out there. Feel free to share the article if you wish. http://whatsfordinner-momwhatsfordinner.blogspot.com/2013/02/blogging-etiquette-and-how-to-market.html
ReplyDeleteAren't you sweet...thanks! This recipe has evolved over the years...the ranch was added a few years back. It was originally seasoned with garlic salt and Worchestershire sauce.
DeleteI love the bite size cheese balls!
ReplyDeleteBite-size is fun...and easy eating!
DeleteMy mom used to make something like this--for some reason, it's never on my radar when making appetizers, but I need to fix that--it was definitely always a hit!
ReplyDeleteYeah...they're kind of old school, but we enjoy them a lot. I make one for Thanksgiving every year, and it's gone in no time flat.
DeleteI want these...bad!
ReplyDeleteThese are so easy...a few ingredients in the mixer! The only part that takes time is to make the minis and roll into the toppings. One big cheese ball is quicker, but not as "fun"!
DeleteI have never liked cheeseballs, but appreciate the work and creativity they take! They look great!
ReplyDeleteI don't like the orange ones...homemade ones with cream cheese like this are basically a thick dip that you can spread on a cracker.
DeleteYou would totally find me hoarding these in a corner somewhere. No sharesies.
ReplyDeleteThis cheese ball has everything in it! Yum!
ReplyDeleteOH MY. Love this idea. Love the nuts and love the individual idea too! Nothing like plopping a pile of flavored goodness on my plate please!
ReplyDeleteThese are basically brief phrase loans that do deliver you meet your fiscal troubles within a desired precise time period.
ReplyDeleteTaking into consideration time limitations these loans are especially developed above an obligation zero cost platform.
As such, these are kept completely 100 % free from credential checksums. Challenges such as defaults, arrears, bankruptcy, CCJs and even IVAs are not considered here. Further, there are also no collaterals linked with these loans. There is minimal paper function expected on the aspect of borrower. There are also no hidden or added documentation or faxing required here. Applying for these loans is also particularly practical. Individuals merely require filling an on the net type and when this gets authorized cash is received inside 24 hours time frame. These loans are generally provided under convenient terms and situations. The common fundamental applicant criteria here is that they really should be a UK resident and of 18 years of age.
Check out my webpage : storpar.com
Oh I love cheese balls, and these cheese ball truffles are so cute! I need to try that next time I make it.
ReplyDeleteCheese Balls! Totally retro. Looking forward to next football season to try it out.
ReplyDeleteI love cheese balls and these with the ham and spring onions and tobasco sound perfect for Superbowl!
ReplyDeleteOoh, this looks easy and yumm! Always thought making cheeseballs was complicated. Will give this a try. Nice !
ReplyDeleteLove cheeseball, especially with your twist of ranch and ham! I think I may do bacon instead ;)
ReplyDeleteLove cheeseball, especially this twist with ranch and ham! Although I would probably use bacon instead ;)
ReplyDeleteReally different with the ham!
ReplyDelete