Country Ham 'n' Cheese Balls
Country Ham 'n' Cheese Balls Recipe - Made with Butter, Cheddar, Ham and Flour from USA
Introduction
Country Ham 'n' Cheese Balls are a delicious and savory appetizer that is perfect for any gathering or party. These bite-sized treats are packed with flavor and are sure to be a hit with your guests.
History
The recipe for Country Ham 'n' Cheese Balls has been a Southern favorite for generations. It combines the rich and salty flavor of country ham with the creamy and sharp taste of cheddar cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavors in each bite.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup of softened butter
- 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.25 cup of finely chopped country ham
- 0.25 tsp of worcestershire sauce
- a dash of hot pepper sauce
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
How to prepare
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, cheese, ham, and seasonings. Mix well.
- Add the flour to the mixture and blend until well combined.
- Pinch off small portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch diameter balls.
- Place the dough balls on a cookie sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve the baked balls hot.
Variations
- Substitute the country ham with cooked bacon for a different flavor profile.
- Add chopped green onions or jalapenos for an extra kick of flavor.
- Use different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or gouda, for a unique twist.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to use softened butter for easy mixing.
- Be sure to finely chop the country ham to ensure even distribution of flavor.
- Don't overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cheese balls.
- For a spicier kick, add more hot pepper sauce to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Country Ham 'n' Cheese Balls can be served as an appetizer with a side of mustard or honey for dipping.
Cooking Techniques
Baking
Ingredient Substitutions
Use turkey bacon instead of country ham for a leaner option.
- Swap out the cheddar cheese for mozzarella or Swiss cheese for a milder taste.
Make Ahead Tips
Country Ham 'n' Cheese Balls can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Country Ham 'n' Cheese Balls on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving.
Pairing Recommendations
Country Ham 'n' Cheese Balls pair well with a crisp white wine or a cold beer.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Country Ham 'n' Cheese Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Country Ham 'n' Cheese Balls contains approximately 200 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Country Ham 'n' Cheese Balls contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Country Ham 'n' Cheese Balls contains approximately 12 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Country Ham 'n' Cheese Balls contains approximately 6 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Country Ham 'n' Cheese Balls are a good source of calcium and vitamin A.
Alergens
Country Ham 'n' Cheese Balls contain dairy (cheese) and wheat (flour).
Summary
Country Ham 'n' Cheese Balls are a delicious and indulgent treat that is best enjoyed in moderation due to their high fat and calorie content.
Summary
Country Ham 'n' Cheese Balls are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. With their rich and savory flavor, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a handwritten card tucked away in a box of old recipes that had been passed down through generations in my family. The card was yellowed with age and the ink had faded, but the words were still legible: Country Ham 'n' Cheese Balls.
I had always been a lover of cooking, and I was especially fond of recipes that had been handed down through the years. There was something special about recreating a dish that had been enjoyed by my ancestors, a connection to the past that brought me joy.
I knew I had to try making these Country Ham 'n' Cheese Balls. The ingredients were simple enough: country ham, sharp cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and a few spices. But the method intrigued me. The ham and cheese were mixed together with the breadcrumbs and spices, then rolled into balls and baked until golden brown and crispy.
I set to work gathering the ingredients, carefully measuring each one out as I went. I diced the country ham into small pieces, grated the cheddar cheese, and mixed everything together in a large bowl. The kitchen was filled with the savory scent of the ham and cheese mingling together, making my mouth water in anticipation.
As I rolled the mixture into balls and placed them on a baking sheet, I couldn't help but think about the hands that had once prepared this dish. I imagined my great-grandmother, standing in her own kitchen many years ago, rolling out the same balls of ham and cheese for her family to enjoy.
The Country Ham 'n' Cheese Balls went into the oven, and I watched eagerly as they baked to perfection. The cheese melted and bubbled, creating a golden crust on the outside of each ball. When they were done, I took a bite and was immediately transported back in time.
The flavors were incredible – the salty ham, the sharp cheese, the crunchy breadcrumbs – all combining to create a dish that was comforting and familiar. I knew that this recipe would become a favorite in my own household, just as it had been in generations past.
I shared the Country Ham 'n' Cheese Balls with my family, and they loved them as much as I did. My children begged me to make them again and again, and soon the recipe became a staple at our family gatherings.
As I continued to cook and bake, I found myself drawn to other recipes from the past. Each dish told a story, a piece of history that had been preserved through the generations. I felt a deep connection to those who had come before me, knowing that they had also stood in their kitchens, preparing meals for their loved ones.
In a world that was constantly changing, these recipes were a link to the past, a reminder of where we had come from and the traditions that had shaped us. I cherished each one, carefully preserving them for future generations to enjoy.
And so, as I sit here now, writing down the story of how I learned to make Country Ham 'n' Cheese Balls, I can't help but smile. It's a simple dish, but one that holds so much meaning for me. It's a reminder of the love and care that went into each meal, a connection to my family and the generations that came before.
I hope that someday, my own grandchildren will find this recipe tucked away in a box of old recipes and feel the same sense of joy and connection that I do. And perhaps, as they roll out the balls of ham and cheese and place them in the oven to bake, they will think of me and the love that went into each and every dish I prepared for them.
Categories
| American Recipes | Cathy's Recipes | Cheddar Recipes | Ham Recipes |