Are you looking for an easy appetizer? This Dried Beef Cheese Ball can be put together in no time at all. Making your own appetizers from scratch means you get to customize food the way you enjoy it.
Cheese Balls are Perfect for Parties
Cheese balls are a great addition to any party. My dried beef cheese ball has been a staple around my house for parties, game nights, and much more.
What makes this dried beef cheese ball so good?
This cheese ball is heartier than most as it is made with dried chipped beef. It’s so easy to make; a child can do it – really! You can make this chipped beef cheese ball days ahead and use it when needed. It’s a great way to have fun with your kids in the kitchen on a rainy afternoon!
Dried beef has more nutritional content than boiled or fried beef, as the drying process does not leech out the nutrients in the meat. However, all dried beef is not the same, so you might want to look for the tastiest brands. If you are really ambitious, you can even make your own. Check out the link below.
Ingredients
The ingredients in this dried beef cheese ball are so simple and the flavors in this cheese ball recipe work well together. This is what you need:
- Cream Cheese – you can use either light cream cheese or full-fat cream cheese.
- Dried Beef
- Green Onions
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Pepper
If you wanted, you could add some shredded cheddar cheese, chipotle powder, or whatever you like. Be inventive!
How to Make a Dried Beef Cheese Ball
- Chop the dried beef into small pieces.
- Place softened block of cream cheese, Worcestershire Sauce, green onion, and one-third of the dried beef. Add black pepper if desired.
- Stir to thoroughly combine.
- Shape the mixture into a ball.
- Coat the ball with the dried beef pieces.
- Refrigerate the cheese ball until serving.
- Set it out about 30 minutes before serving time to soften.
Dried Beef Cheese Ball is a low-carb and keto-friendly appetizer when served with celery, baby bell peppers, or low-carb crackers.
Classic Dried Beel Cheese Ball Variations
This is a good basic recipe but here are some customizations you might enjoy.
- Dried beef cheese ball with horseradish – you may want to add a teaspoon of prepared horseradish to the cream cheese.
- Dried beef cheese ball with ranch dressing – I recommend adding a teaspoon or two of dry Ranch dressing mix to the cream cheese for a boost of flavor.
- Chopped pecans or other chopped nuts – if you have someone that is vegetarian omit the beef, and roll the cheese ball in chopped nuts.
What should you serve with a homemade cheese ball?
Holiday parties, game nights, and a homemade charcutarie patter are enhanced with these cheese balls. If you have them in your refrigerator it’s easy to put together a wonderful snack plate together. Homemade cheese balls can be served with crackers like Ritz Crackers, Wheat Thin Crackers, or even water crackers. I have also served these with homemade crostini. You may want to serve some freshly cut veggies like carrots or celery with your homemade goodness.
How long do homemade cheese balls last?
Homemade cheese balls are easy to make, but best of all you can make them a couple of days ahead of time. Simply wrap with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3 days before or after serving. I know you are going to love this dried beef cheese ball recipe!
More Cheesy Appetizers
- Homemade Cheeseball
- Melted Cheese Fondue
- The Best Rotel Dip
- Wisconsin Cheese Bites
- Swiss Cheese Bacon Dip
- Liptauer Recipe
- Fresh Market Pimento Cheese
- Skillet Queso
- Best White Queso
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Dried Beef Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- 4.5 ounces dried beef AKA chipped beef
- 1 bunch green onions chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Allow the cream cheese to reach room temperature.
- Chop the dried beef into small pieces.
- Ina bowl, combine the cream cheese, Worcestershire Sauce, green onion, andone-third of the dried beef. Add black pepper if desired.
- Shape into a ball, and coat with the dried beef pieces. Chill until needed.
- Set out about 30 minutes before serving time to soften.
Linda Meyer
We have this every Christmas Eve. But we omit onions, add horse radish and roll it into a “Lincoln Log”. That way it’s easy to slice with a cracker or knife.
Pam Stoltz
I always find the chipped beef to be very salty, am I the only one??
Stephanie
I sometimes rinse it off with water and pat it dry before I use it .
Leslie Rogers
I’ve used this recipe for years. I add chopped pecans to the cream cheese and roll in more pecans rather than the chopped beef. Omit the chopped beef that you would roll it in and it shouldn’t taste so salty.
Myliesmom
I have been making this for years. But I use all of the dried beef in the cheese ball, then I roll the ball in finely chopped pecans. Yum!
Mary Heart
So much better than what you buy in the store.