3-Ingredient Ham and Cheese Balls: The Tailgate Snack Everyone Goes Crazy For
There are recipes that get politely nibbled at parties, and then there are recipes that disappear before you even set the tray down. These 3-ingredient ham and cheese balls are firmly in the second category. Rolled in shredded cheddar and packed with savory diced ham, they are the kind of crowd-pleasing bite that makes people hover around the snack table. Honestly, it is completely understandable why someone would want to stash a secret batch just for themselves.
Whether you are heading to a tailgate, a holiday party, or just need a quick appetizer that looks like you put in way more effort than you actually did, this recipe has you covered. Three ingredients, minimal prep, and maximum payoff every single time.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 and 1/2 cups finely diced ham (about 8 oz)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Method
- Allow the cream cheese to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes so it becomes soft and easy to mix.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, diced ham, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until fully blended and uniform throughout.
- Place the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese in a shallow bowl or on a flat plate. This will be your coating.
- Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out the ham and cream cheese mixture and roll each portion between your palms to form a smooth ball about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Roll each ball in the shredded cheddar cheese, pressing gently so the cheese sticks and coats the outside completely.
- Place the finished balls on a parchment-lined plate or baking sheet. Repeat until all of the mixture has been used.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving so the balls firm up and hold their shape nicely on the platter.
- Serve chilled alongside crackers, toothpicks, or just as they are. Watch them vanish.
Tips for the Best Results
Make sure the cream cheese is truly softened before mixing. Cold cream cheese will not blend smoothly with the ham and cheddar, leaving lumps that make rolling difficult. For a flavor boost, try using a smoked ham or a pepper jack cheese blend in place of some of the cheddar. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce into the mixture without straying too far from the simplicity of this recipe.
Make-Ahead and Storage
These ham and cheese balls are perfect for making the night before. Simply roll them, coat them in cheddar, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They actually taste even better after a night in the fridge because the flavors meld together beautifully. Just set them out about 10 minutes before serving if you prefer them slightly less cold, though they hold their shape best when kept chilled.
