Dried Beef Cheese Ball Recipe
Introduction
This Dried Beef Cheese Ball is a savory, tangy appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings or holiday parties. Cream cheese blended with flavorful dried beef and seasonings creates a delightful bite-sized treat that’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4.5 ounces dried beef, chopped or snipped into small squares
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, one tablespoon of the chopped dried beef, green onions, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well, then shape the mixture into a ball.
- Step 2: Sprinkle the remaining dried beef onto a plate or small rimmed baking sheet. Roll the cheese ball through the dried beef until it’s fully coated.
- Step 3: Gently wrap the cheese ball in cling wrap, patting it to tidy up the spherical shape. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving; it tastes even better the next day.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder flavor, rinse the dried beef briefly before chopping to reduce saltiness.
- Add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables for easy snacking.
Storage
Store the cheese ball tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to soften the cheese for easier spreading.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular beef instead of dried beef?
Dried beef has a unique salty, cured flavor that’s central to this recipe, so regular cooked beef won’t provide the same taste or texture.
How long can I make this cheese ball ahead?
It’s best made at least 2 hours ahead and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days without losing quality, making it a great make-ahead appetizer.
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Dried Beef Cheese Ball Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 1 cheese ball, serves approximately 8-10 as an appetizer 1x
Description
This Dried Beef Cheese Ball is a classic, savory appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Made with softened cream cheese blended with dried beef, green onions, and flavorful spices, then rolled in chopped dried beef to create a deliciously creamy and tangy cheese ball ready to serve chilled.
Ingredients
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 8 ounces package cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon chopped dried beef (from the 4.5 ounces total)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Coating
- Approximately 4.5 ounces dried beef, chopped or snipped into small squares (use the remainder for coating)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, one tablespoon of the chopped dried beef, chopped green onions, onion powder, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended.
- Shape Cheese Ball: Form the mixture into a ball using your hands, shaping it firmly but gently.
- Prepare Coating: Sprinkle the remaining chopped dried beef onto a plate or a small rimmed baking sheet to create a coating bed.
- Coat Cheese Ball: Roll the formed cheese ball through the chopped dried beef until its surface is fully coated and covered.
- Chill: Gently wrap the coated cheese ball in cling wrap, pat to perfect the spherical shape, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and firm up. For best results, chill overnight before serving.
Notes
- This cheese ball makes an excellent make-ahead appetizer, improving in flavor after resting overnight.
- You can serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Use kitchen scissors to snip dried beef into small squares for easier rolling and a better coating texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Dried beef cheese ball, appetizer, party snack, cream cheese appetizer, make-ahead cheese ball
