Chipped Beef Cheese Ball Recipe
This Chipped Beef Cheese Ball is a classic, creamy appetizer combining smooth cream cheese with savory dried beef, sharp cheddar, and a flavorful blend of spices. Perfect for gatherings, this easy-to-make cheese ball is packed with bold flavors and topped with green onions for a fresh finish. Serve chilled with crackers to impress your guests with a simple yet delicious snack.
- Author: Ella
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 16 ounces cream cheese (2 (8-ounce) packages), softened to room temperature, full fat
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 5 ounces dried beef (2 (2.5-ounce) packages), finely diced
- 4 green onions, tops finely diced
- 1 ½ cups sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
- Prepare Cream Cheese Base: Add the softened cream cheese to a large bowl ensuring it is smooth and at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Mix Seasonings: Add Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the bowl. Use an electric mixer to blend thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dried Beef, Onions, and Cheese: Fold in ¾ of the finely diced dried beef, ¾ of the diced green onions, and ¾ of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Lay a large sheet of plastic wrap on the counter. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the plastic wrap, then gather the edges of the wrap around the mixture. Use your hands to shape it into a smooth, firm ball completely covered by the plastic wrap.
- Chill: Refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball for at least two hours to allow flavors to meld and the shape to firm up.
- Prepare Topping Mix: On a medium plate, combine the remaining dried beef and shredded cheddar cheese to serve as the decorative topping.
- Unwrap and Coat: Remove the cheese ball from the plastic wrap and place it on the plate with the topping mixture. Press the beef and cheese mixture firmly and evenly over the entire surface of the cheese ball.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining diced green onions on top. Position the cheese ball in the center of a serving dish and arrange crackers around it for serving.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Use sharp white cheddar cheese for a bold flavor that complements the dried beef.
- Can be prepared a day ahead; keep covered in the refrigerator to deepen the flavors.
- Serve with a variety of crackers or fresh vegetables for dipping.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheddar, though this will change the texture slightly.
Keywords: cheese ball, appetizer, chipped beef, cream cheese appetizer, party snack, holiday appetizer