Ham-Cheddar Cheese Ball

How far in advance can you make a ham and cheese ball?

Feel free to make your ham and cheese ball a few days ahead, but hold off on rolling it in the chopped pecans until shortly before serving. (If you roll the ball too far in advance, the pecans might get a little soggy.) Keep the ham and cheese ball tightly wrapped in the refrigerator until you're ready to roll and serve.

How else can you shape a ham and cheese ball?

While we shaped our ham and cheese ball like a football, you can also make a regular sphere shape, or even a log, for gatherings that aren't football centric. Feel free to skip the Swiss "laces" if you shape it otherwise! Take inspiration from other great cheese ball recipes.

What else can you serve with a ham and cheese ball?

While club crackers and raw veggies such as snap peas, cucumbers and green bell peppers pair nicely with this ham and cheese ball, other options include saltines, pretzels, pita chips or butter crackers like Ritz. After you decide on the perfect contenders for each swipe of this ham and cheese spread, figure out more game day snacks or appetizer recipes you'll make to complete the lineup.

—Lauren Pahmeier, Taste of Home Associate Editor