French Onion Cheese Ball with Bacon and Dried Beef Recipe

Meat lovers, this is your ultimate party appetizer! This French onion cheese ball combines the best of both worlds with savory dried beef and crispy bacon bits, all enhanced by the rich, umami flavors of French onion soup mix. Unlike ordinary cheese balls, this recipe delivers a hearty, satisfying bite that will have your guests coming back for more. With just five ingredients and 20 minutes of prep time, you can create an impressive centerpiece that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.

French onion cheese ball and crackers on a platter.

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Why This Recipe Works

The magic happens when French onion soup mix meets cream cheese, creating an instant flavor explosion. The dry mix contains dehydrated onions, soy sauce, and salt, which provide deep umami richness without requiring multiple seasonings. The combination of dried beef and bacon adds contrasting textures, while the cheddar cheese provides sharpness that perfectly balances the creamy base.

What makes this French Onion Cheese ball the perfect addition to your next party

What better way to awaken your appetite than dipping into a delicious sphere of seasoned cheese and meat? This cheese ball is a great way to impress your guests.

It has simple yet indulgent flavors that everyone can appreciate – a rich flavor with hints of beef, bacon, and shredded cheese. Whether hosting a fancy dinner party or a more laid-back family gathering, this starter is a surefire hit.

The secret ingredient here is the French onion soup mix, which adds an incredibly savory taste. Lipton’s dry mix contains hints of onions, soy sauce, and salt, which gives it a deep umami flavor. When you mix this into the cream cheese, it is simply irresistible!

Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this recipe. Everything is commonly available in grocery stores. The exact measurements are in the printable recipe card below.

  • Cream cheese – Creates the smooth, spreadable base that holds all flavors together
  • French onion soup mix – Provides instant savory depth with onion and umami flavors
  • Shredded cheddar cheese – Adds sharp, tangy notes and extra richness
  • Dried beef – Delivers concentrated meaty flavor and chewy texture
  • Bacon bits – Creates the perfect crunchy coating with a smoky flavor
French onion cheese ball ingredients on parchment paper.

How to make a French onion cheese ball

  1. Chop the beef into small pieces.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese, cheddar cheese, the dry onion soup mix, and chopped dried beef.
  3. Roll the cream cheese mixture into a ball.
  4. Roll the ball into the bacon bits.
  5. For best results, refrigerate for several hours or overnight before serving.
Collage of making French onion cheese ball.

Recipe variations

Cheese balls are so simple to customize. Here are some ideas:

  • Cheese – Use sharp Cheddar cheese, Gruyere, or Swiss cheese
  • Bacon – Instead of bacon, roll it in nuts such as chopped almonds or pecans. You can also roll it in olives or crushed crispy fried onions.
  • Herbs and Spices – Add some chopped fresh thyme for freshness or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.

What to serve with this chipped beef cheeseball with onion soup mix

Serve this delicious cheese ball on a platter with chips, homemade crackers, or pretzels. Fresh vegetables are also a good pairing since they’re crisp and taste incredible with the soft cheese – think celery, carrots, radishes, or even cucumbers.

You can also smear any leftovers on bagels, toasted baguette slices, wraps, or sandwiches!

French onion cheese ball, pretzels, and crackers on a platter.

Storage Instructions

  • Freezing: Not recommended, as cream cheese-based appetizers may separate and lose texture when thawed.
  • Refrigerator Storage: Store wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days before or after serving. The flavors improve after a day of chilling.
  • Serving Temperature: Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving for optimal spreading consistency.
French onion cheese ball with pretzels and crackers next to it.

Love cheese balls? Try these recipes!

More cheesy appetizer recipes

Check out more of my easy appetizer recipes and the best recipes for game day on CopyKat!

French onion cheese ball and crackers on a platter.

French Onion Cheese Ball – Easy Bacon Beef Appetizer

Savory cheese ball loaded with French onion soup mix, bacon, and dried beef. Perfect make-ahead party appetizer ready in 20 minutes plus chill time!
5 from 2 votes
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Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cheese ball recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories: 199kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 package Lipton Recipe Secrets Onion Recipe Soup & Dip Mix
  • 4 ounces dried beef finely chopped
  • 4 ounces prepackaged cooked bacon bits

Instructions

  • Combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, onion soup mix, and chopped dried beef in a medium bowl. Mix well.
  • Roll the mixture into a ball, and then roll the ball in the bacon bits.
  • Refrigerate overnight before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 767mg | Potassium: 165mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 360IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 0.5mg

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

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