I’m a huge fan of appetizers, so much so that my Christmas gatherings are practically all about them. When you’ve got a cozy house and a big crowd, appetizers are the perfect solution for keeping everyone happy, especially since a formal sit-down dinner is out of the question.
From dips and sliders to charcuterie boards and, of course, cheese balls—I can’t get enough! There’s something so inviting about walking into a party and seeing a spread of snacks waiting to be enjoyed. Cheese balls are a particular favorite because they’re incredibly simple to make at home and taste so much better than store-bought versions.
Take this Easy Chipped Beef Cheese Ball, for example. It’s a perfect starter recipe that’s always a hit and super easy to put together. The creamy base of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, and savory dried beef is rolled in more chopped beef for a salty crunch that pairs perfectly with the tangy flavors inside. It’s an explosion of flavors in every bite!
And here’s a great tip: you can prepare this cheese ball ahead of time! After mixing and shaping it into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for 2-3 days. Just roll it in the beef coating right before serving for that fresh, flavorful taste.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or any gathering, this cheese ball is sure to be a crowd pleaser. You’ll love how easy it is to customize to your taste and how it brings everyone together around something delicious!
Chipped Beef Cheese Ball Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 8-ounce packages Cream cheese, softened
- 5 ounces dried Beef chopped (save about 1/4 cup for coating)
- 5 Green onions chopped (save some for coating)
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
Instructions
Prepare the Cheese Ball:
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, most of the chopped dried beef (reserve some for coating), most of the chopped green onions (reserve some for coating), shredded cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and salt.
- Mix everything together until well blended.
Shape and Chill:
- Shape the mixture into a ball and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
- Chill the cheese ball in the refrigerator for at least an hour, until it becomes firm.
Coat and Serve:
- Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the reserved chopped dried beef and green onions until coated all over.
- Serve the cheese ball with your favorite crackers and enjoy!
Notes
- Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Ensure the cream cheese is well softened at room temperature before mixing. This makes it easier to blend with other ingredients smoothly.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Taste the mixture before shaping into a ball. Adjust the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and salt to suit your preference for flavor.
- Chill for Easy Shaping: Chill the mixture for at least an hour before shaping into a ball. This helps it firm up, making it easier to roll in the coating ingredients later.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 55 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 11mg |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Sodium | 123mg |
Can I Make This Cheese Ball Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare this cheese ball ahead of time! After mixing the ingredients and shaping it into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to serve, roll it in the reserved chopped beef and green onions just before serving for the freshest taste.
What Are Some Serving Suggestions For This Cheese Ball?
This cheese ball pairs perfectly with a variety of crackers, such as buttery rounds, crispbread, or even pretzel crisps. You can also serve it with crunchy veggies like celery sticks, carrot sticks, or bell pepper strips for a lighter option. It’s a versatile appetizer that adds a delicious touch to any party or gathering!
