Elevate your appetizer game with this delicious 4-ingredient Chipped Beef Cheese Ball! It's super quick to make, pairs perfectly with crackers and veggies, and is perfect for any occasion!
I am a huge fan of appetizers and with minimal preparation and 4 easy ingredients, you can create my mom's iconic Chipped Beef Cheese Ball! She has made this easy appetizer every holiday season of my entire life. It's the snack that kicks off the main meal.
Making a dried beef cheese ball is easy and doesn’t require fancy cooking skills. All you'll need is tangy cream cheese, salty beef, seasoning, and green onions, and it pairs super well with a variety of crackers and fresh vegetables. It's beautiful as one large cheese ball, mini cheeseballs and added to charcuterie boards, or rolled into a log.
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Whether you're hosting a party, watching a game, or enjoying a cozy night in, this cheeseball is sure to be a crowd favorite. Be sure to check out my other EPIC appetizer spreads, sweet and spicy Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip, Homemade Pimento Cheese, and Chili Cheese Cream Cheese Dip!
Table of Contents
Why You'll Like This Recipe
- Super Easy Recipe. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have this dried beef cheese ball ready in no time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion. Whether you're hosting game days, a birthday party, holiday party, or just looking to snack, this classic cheese ball fits the bill. It's perfect for all special occasions!
- Guaranteed Crowd Pleaser. The combination of cream cheese, dried beef, and green onions creates a delightful mix of textures and flavors that everyone will love.
- Customize with Many Flavors. Feel free to experiment with herbs and spices to make this dried beef cheese ball recipe to your taste preferences!
Ingredients
Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed and Full Recipe in the Recipe Card Below.
- Cream Cheese: A block of cream cheese is the base of the cheeseball, providing a creamy texture and rich flavor. I recommend full-fat cream cheese so that the ball or log can hold its shape.
- Canned Dried Beef: Finely chopped dried beef (also known as chipped beef) is the star ingredient. It gives this dish its character and adds a savory, umami kick.
- Accent: A flavor enhancer, this ingredient brings out the natural flavors of the other ingredients. (Note: It’s optional, and can be replaced with salt to suit your taste.)
- Green Onions: Green onions (scallions) or chives add freshness and a mild onion flavor, adding a nice crunch and color to this delicious cheese ball.
- Dippers: Serve this chipped beef cream cheese ball recipe with cut up veggies and your favorite crackers. I love mine with Ritz Crackers, Club Crackers, pita chips, and Wheat Thins.
Tools You'll Need
How to Make Chipped Beef Cheese Ball
- Finely chop dried beef into small pieces. You can also use a food processor for quicker preparation.
- In a large bowl, using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, combine softened cream cheese, Accent (if using), half of the dried beef, and the green onions until smooth.
- Shape the cream cheese mixture into a ball using your hands. You can also shape it into a log for a different presentation. Cover the entire outside of the cheese ball with the remaining beef.
- Wrap in a piece of plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Unwrap, place on a serving dish, and garnish with dippers as desired.
Pro Tips and Substitutions
- Make Ahead Appetizer. Dried beef cheese ball is the perfect appetizer to make ahead of time. It can be prepared 1-2 days in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Try a Flavor Variation. Add your favorite fresh or dried herbs, such as dill, parsley, or chives, for additional flavor. Other seasonings you can add or substitute are onion powder, black pepper, ranch seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Add a Nut Coating. For a crunchy exterior, roll the cheeseball in chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) before serving.
- Swap the Cheese. Combine full fat cream cheese with shredded cheddar cheese or your favorite cheese for an extra flavor kick.
- Accent Alternative. Accent (MSG) is a flavor enhancer that contains monosodium glutamate, a substance that amplifies the savory taste of foods. It is often used in cooking to enhance the umami flavor, which is one of the five basic tastes. If you don't want to use accent, you can replace it with ½ teaspoon salt or Worcestershire sauce.
Storage
Store any leftover cream cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the cheeseball. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe is designed to highlight the flavor of dried beef. Fresh beef will not provide the same flavor profile or texture.
Serve this easy chipped beef cheese ball with an assortment of crackers, chips, vegetable sticks, or even slices of bread. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of dipping options!
Yes! Instead of forming one large cheeseball or log, you can create several smaller ones for individual servings.
More Delicious Party Appetizers
- BBQ Chicken Sliders
- Colored Deviled Eggs
- Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Steak and Cheese Appetizer Bites
Chipped Beef Cheeseball
Ingredients
- 2 8-ounce packages regular cream cheese softened
- 2.25 ounce jar dried beef finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon Accent see note
- 4 green onions thinly sliced
- Optional Dippers: salted butter crackers, wheat thins, pretzels, corn chip scoops or raw vegetables
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, Accent (if using), half of the dried beef, and the green onions until smooth.
- Shape the mixture into a ball using your hands. You can also shape it into a log for a different presentation.
- Cover the entire surface of the cheeseball with the remaining dried beef.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Unwrap, place on a serving dish, and garnish with dippers as desired.
Video
Notes
Pro Tips and Substitutions
- Make Ahead: Dried beef cheese ball is the perfect appetizer to make ahead of time. It can be prepared 1-2 days in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Flavor Variations: Add your favorite fresh or dried herbs, such as dill, parsley, or chives, for additional flavor. Other seasonings you can add or substitute are onion powder, black pepper, ranch seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Nut Coating: For a crunchy exterior, roll the cheeseball in chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) before serving.
- Cheese Options: Combine full fat cream cheese with shredded cheddar cheese or your favorite cheese for an extra flavor kick.
- Accent Alternative: Accent (MSG) is a flavor enhancer that contains monosodium glutamate, a substance that amplifies the savory taste of foods. It is often used in cooking to enhance the umami flavor, which is one of the five basic tastes. If you don't want to use accent, you can replace it with ½ teaspoon salt or Worcestershire sauce.
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