Holiday Ham & Cheese Ball

Submitted by Mrs. Hooper

"My mother always makes this cheese ball at Christmas, and growing up, I never realized there was any other kind of "cheese ball" but this one. I now make it for get togethers, holidays, or sometimes just because it's so good! There is never any left overs, and everyone always wants the recipe. This recipe makes 1 large ball or 2 small balls. *Note: My mother puts 1 tsp of Accent (MSG) in hers. I never buy this stuff, so I leave it out, and I can't tell a difference."

 

• Ready In: 20mins
• Ingredients: 5
• Yields: 1 large ball
• Serves: 12

ingredients

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 lb lean ham, thinly sliced
• 1 bunch green onion
• 1 -2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder

directions

1. Place the cream cheese in a large, covered bowl and allow to soften at room temperature while preparing the other ingredients.
2. Lay several pieces of ham on a cutting board and slice into 1/2" strips. Turn the cutting board and slice again, forming small squares. Set aside in a medium bowl or on a plate and separate the squares. Repeat with the rest of the ham.
3. Slice the bunch of green onions into very thin rings.
4. When the cheese is softened, add in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, green onions (add all or just enough for your preference), and 1/2 of the ham. Mix together well until ingredients are uniformly distributed.
5. Using a large piece of plastic wrap, shape the cream cheese mixture into a ball. Roll the ball in the remaining ham pieces (faster) or manually press the ham squares into the cheese ball (prettier). Place on a plate and wrap in plastic wrap. Allow to chill for a few hours or overnight before serving. Serve with crackers, vegetables or crusty bread.