Dried Beef Cheese Ball
A creamy and salty cheese ball that’s perfect for parties. Quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser, this cheese ball is a classic appetizer everyone loves.
Equipment
- Medium Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or spoon
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Plastic wrap
- Serving plate or board
- Small offset spatula or butter knife (for spreading)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 blocks full-fat cream cheese Let sit out to soften before mixing.
- 8 oz dried beef Chop into small pieces; can substitute with corned beef or pastrami if necessary.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Important for flavor.
- 1/4 cup green onion Chopped.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese Optional, for added flavor.
Spices and Seasonings
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- optional garlic powder Add for extra flavor.
For Rolling
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts Optional.
Instructions
Preparation
- Allow cream cheese to sit out for about 20 minutes to soften.
- In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped dried beef, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, and optional shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
Forming
- Using clean hands or a sturdy spoon, mix until uniform in texture.
- Transfer the mixture onto plastic wrap and shape it into a ball.
- Wrap tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible.
Serving
- Before serving, roll the cheese ball in chopped nuts or extra dried beef for decoration.
- Serve with crackers, baby carrots, or celery sticks.
Notes
This cheese ball can be made in advance and actually improves in flavor after being refrigerated. It travels well and can be served with various snacks for dipping.