I am going to share with you one my family staples. This cheeseball has been made for every single family gathering we have had since I can remember. I know when I go home, mom is making cheeseball and this Thanksgiving will be no different. I wasn't sure if I would be able to make it home (yes, I still call my mom's house my home) with my work schedule, but last minute we were able to secure some flights and I will be headed to St. Louis to enjoy this and all my favorites over the holiday. I cannot wait!
This is such a simple recipe but is really a great starter with some nice flavors to warm up your palette for all that turkey this Thursday. So get to the store, buy some cream cheese, and make it, I promise it will be a hit...
Mom's Famous Ham, Scallion, and Pecan Cheeseball
16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
4 ounces ham, diced
6 scallions, finely chopped
1 and 1/2 cup halved pecans
crackers for serving
Line a small bowl with cling wrap leaving a small amount of excess wrap and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, ham, and scallions. Mix till thoroughly combined. Spoon cheese mixture into prepared bowl lined with cling wrap, fold over excess wrap to cover cheese ball and press down to form a level surface. Chill cheese mixture in small bowl for ~2 hours. Once cheeseball has chilled remove top of cling wrap and flip onto serving tray. Cover with pecans and serve with your favorite crackers.
I usually make this the night before which makes it is so easy to just pull out of the fridge, top with pecans, and serve! My favorite crackers are usually wheat thins or triscuits, but I have been wanting to make my own and Gina has a great post on Rosemary Parmesan Crackers at What's for Dinner Across State Lines. I would love to know how the two recipes pair together, let me know if you try!
Happy Baking and Happy Thanksgiving!