This is my dried-beef cheeseball recipe. It’s that holiday season when we can get together with family and friends or attend a neighborhood holiday party. Do you love cheese balls as much as I do? Partygoers love the various types of cheese balls, and this family classic recipe is a keeper.
There is something incredible about making your own creamy, crunchy dried beef cheese ball as an easy appetizer you can’t buy at the local grocery store. It’ll prove to be a true crowd-pleaser in all party or meal settings.
My favorite thing at church get-togethers, family parties, or neighborhood gatherings would be appetizers, and this is a perfect appetizer for all occasions. I love finger food – anything that’s easy to pick up with your fingers and eat while talking to people. We all love dips as side dishes, and this appetizer has a flavor that will catch people’s attention.
In case you missed these posts, Pimento Cheese Ball, The Classic Bacon Cheese Ball.
Dried-Beef Cheese Ball: A Classic Party Appetizer That Never Goes Out of Style
The Dried-Beef Cheese Ball is one of those timeless appetizers that instantly brings people together. Whether it’s set out on a holiday buffet, served at a family gathering, or placed at the center of a casual get-together, this retro favorite has a way of disappearing fast. Creamy, savory, and packed with bold flavor, it’s a dish that proves simple ingredients can create unforgettable results.
Why the Dried-Beef Cheese Ball Is a Crowd Favorite
Few appetizers balance richness and saltiness quite like a dried-beef cheese ball. The smooth, creamy base pairs perfectly with the finely chopped dried beef, creating an indulgent bite that is neither too sweet nor too overwhelming. Its texture makes it easy to spread, while its bold flavor profile keeps guests coming back for “just one more” scoop.
This appetizer also has a strong nostalgic appeal. Many people remember it from holiday tables, church potlucks, and family celebrations, making it a comforting and familiar addition to any spread.
Perfect for Holidays, Parties, and Entertaining
The dried-beef cheese ball shines at nearly every type of event. It fits effortlessly into:
- Holiday appetizer spreads
- Game day snack tables
- Potlucks and family reunions
- Casual cheese appetizers nights
- Vintage or retro-themed gatherings
Because it’s served cold, it holds up well over time, making it ideal for entertaining without last-minute stress.
Flavor That Pairs with Everything
One of the reasons this cheese ball remains so popular is its versatility. The savory notes of dried beef complement a wide range of dippers, from crisp crackers to fresh vegetables. Its bold, salty flavor pairs beautifully with both mild and sharp accompaniments, making it easy to customize the surrounding snack board.
A Retro Appetizer with Modern Appeal
While the dried-beef cheese ball has roots in mid-century entertaining, it still feels right at home on today’s tables. Its no-fuss nature, make-ahead convenience, and satisfying flavor align perfectly with modern hosting trends. It’s proof that classic recipes never truly go out of style; they get rediscovered by new generations.
Easy to Make, Easy to Love
This appetizer is often praised for its simplicity. With minimal prep and no cooking required, it’s accessible for cooks of all experience levels. It’s also easy to scale up for large crowds, making it a reliable choice when feeding a room full of hungry guests.
A Staple Worth Bringing Back
The dried-beef cheese ball is more than just an appetizer; it’s a tradition. It represents comfort, familiarity, and the joy of sharing food with others. Whether you’re honoring family favorites or introducing a classic to new guests, this cheese ball deserves a place on your table.
Items You May Need In The Kitchen
Dried-Beef Cheese Ball
Step One: Gather Ingredients
I love gathering my ingredients before I start making the recipe.
Step Two: Soften Cream Cheese
Let the cream cheese soften in your mixing bowl. Softened cream cheese is much easier to work with when using your stand mixer or electric hand mixer.
Step Three: Chop Green Onions
Chop the green onions and save the bright green ones to roll into the cheese ball with chipped beef, then top with the other green onions.
Step Four: Rinse The Beef
Rinse the chipped beef, if desired. It’s too salty for me right out of the container. Drain it and then cut it into tiny pieces.
Step Five: Add Remaining Ingredients
Add the garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce to the bowl of cream cheese. Beat with your hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Combine everything, and add the black pepper. Mix until smooth. Place the mixture in a bowl covered with plastic wrap, then refrigerate for 2 hours.
Step Six: Mold Into A Ball
After two hours, mold the mixture into a ball. Roll the cheese ball in some chopped green onions and chipped beef. Serve the chipped beef cheese ball with crackers or celery. The meaty flavor makes this the best cheese ball for all to enjoy!
Finished Product
Ingredients Of This Classic Dried-Beef Cheese Ball
Each ingredient in a dried-beef cheese ball plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that unmistakable savory bite. Together, they create a balanced appetizer that’s creamy, salty, and irresistibly spreadable.
Cream Cheese (Softened)
Cream cheese forms the smooth, creamy foundation of the cheese ball. When thoroughly softened, it blends effortlessly with the other ingredients, creating a rich texture that’s easy to shape and spread. Its mild flavor allows the bold elements, like dried beef and sharp cheddar, to shine without overpowering the palate.
Chipped Beef
Chipped beef adds the signature salty, savory punch that defines this classic appetizer. Finely chopped and mixed throughout, it brings depth and umami to every bite. Reserving some to roll the outside of the cheese ball adds both flavor and visual appeal, creating a textured exterior that hints at what’s inside.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese contributes sharpness and body, enhancing the richness of the cream cheese while adding a more pronounced cheese flavor. Its slightly firm texture helps the cheese ball hold its shape, while its bold taste balances beautifully with the chipped beef’s saltiness.
Green Onions
Green onions introduce a fresh, mild onion flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheeses. Chopped finely, they distribute evenly throughout the mixture, adding a subtle crunch and brightness. Using extra green onions on the outside gives the cheese ball a pop of color and a fresh finish.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder provides gentle warmth and savory depth without overpowering the other ingredients. It enhances the overall flavor profile, tying together the creaminess of the cheese and the saltiness of the beef for a well-rounded bite.
Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce adds a complex blend of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet notes. Just a small amount deepens the flavor of the cheese mixture, giving it a subtle richness and a classic, old-fashioned taste that complements the dried beef perfectly.
Black Pepper
Black pepper brings a light, earthy heat that balances the richness of the cheeses. It adds a gentle kick without being spicy, rounding out the flavor and preventing the cheese ball from tasting overly heavy.
Chipped Beef Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 2 8-ounce pkg. cream cheese softened
- 1 4.5-ounce jar of chipped beef (save some to roll the cheese ball in)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 green onions chopped (save some for rolling the cheese ball in)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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Let the cream cheese soften in your mixing bowl. Add the garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce to the bowl of cream cheese.
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Beat with your hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
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I like to rinse the chipped beef. It's too salty for me.
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Cut the chipped beef into tiny pieces, chop the green onions, and grate the cheese.
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Combine everything, add the black pepper. Mix until smooth.
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Place the mixture into a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator for two hours.
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After two hours, mold the mixture into a ball.
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Roll the cheese ball in some chopped green onions and chipped beef.
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Serve the chipped beef cheese ball with crackers or celery. Enjoy.
How do I store this cheese ball?
I store it in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap.
How long is a cheese ball good in my refrigerator?
It depends on how fresh the ingredients were when you made the cheese ball. The cheese ball is typically good for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze the cheese ball?
I can’t recommend freezing the cheese ball because I have never done it. You could take part of the cheese ball, place it in a freezer bag, and freeze it for a trial run. I’d like to hear how it turned out when taken out to thaw and eat.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, you can. I have used Pepper Jack, Colby, and sharp cheddar cheese as substitutions. You can also try different herbs or spices, like chives.
What can I serve with this cheese ball?
- Crackers, like Ritz Crackers, Wheat Thins, Triscuits, and Club Crackers
- Baguettes
- Celery
- Bagel Bites (pieces)
- Pretzels
- Pita Chips
What is chipped beef?
I quote Wikipedia, “Chipped beef is a form of pressed, salted, and dried beef sliced into thin pieces. Some makers smoke the dried beef for more flavor.” As mentioned in the recipe, store-bought chipped beef tends to be pretty salty, so I rinse it under water to reduce the salt content, then drain it. If you like yours to be saltier, leave it as it comes out of the jar.
Can I add some nuts to the recipe?
Nuts would be a great addition. I don’t use nuts because my granddaughter is allergic to nuts. If I were to add nuts, it would probably be pecans because of their unique flavor.
What is a cheese ball?
A cheese ball is an appetizer made with cream cheese, cheeses, meats, green onions, and various spices. It can be used as a dip or snack.
How far in advance can I make this cheese ball?
You can make this cheese ball about 1 week before you need it. This makes it pleasant because you can make other party items at the last minute.
Final Word
The Dried-Beef Cheese Ball is a true classic for a reason. With its creamy base, savory depth, and perfectly balanced seasonings, it delivers big flavor without fuss. Every ingredient works together to create an appetizer that feels both comforting and special—one that’s just as welcome on a holiday table as it is at a casual gathering. Simple, reliable, and endlessly crowd-pleasing, this timeless favorite proves that the best party foods are often the ones that have stood the test of time.
Sometimes it’s easier to go to the store to buy a cheese ball, but this dried beef cheese ball is so easy to make and much cheaper to produce than to buy. It also goes back to teaching our kids and grandkids how to make meals from scratch.
We love cheese balls and often buy them from a Utah-based store, Harmon’s. They have a bunch of varieties, but I don’t remember seeing them with dried beef, as this recipe calls for.
I wanted to mention that one of my favorite meals to prepare for the family is cream cheese beef on toast. Whenever our kids and grandkids visited, they’d request it. I would use the same dried beef that we use with this cheese ball. Cream Chipped Beef: Step-by-Step Pictures.
If you make a habit of cooking or baking at home, your kids and grandkids will learn a much-needed skill by example. May God bless this world, Linda
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