Name: Easy Chipped Beef Cheese Ball Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened; 5 ounces dried beef, chopped, divided; 5 green onions, chopped, divided; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Introduction

This easy chipped beef cheese ball is a classic appetizer that’s perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Creamy, savory, and packed with flavor, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser served alongside your favorite crackers.

A round cheese ball covered fully with chopped green onions and bits of red bacon, placed on a white marbled surface, surrounded by a spread of round golden crackers with a rough texture and small holes. A woman's hand with blue nail polish holds one cracker filled with the creamy white cheese ball mixture and topped with the green onions and bacon, close to the camera, showing the detailed texture of the toppings and cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
5 ounces dried beef, chopped (divided)
5 green onions, chopped (divided)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, most of the chopped dried beef (reserve about 1/4 cup), most of the chopped green onions (reserve some for garnish), shredded cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 2: Shape the mixture into a ball and wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour or until firm.
Step 3: Once chilled, unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the reserved chopped dried beef and green onions to coat the outside. Serve immediately with your favorite crackers.

Tips & Variations

For a tangier flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the mixture before chilling.
If you prefer a smoother texture, pulse the dried beef briefly in a food processor before adding.
Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the outside coating for added crunch.
To make it spicy, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.

Storage

Store the cheese ball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. When ready to serve again, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly. Avoid freezing, as it can change the texture.

How to Serve

A round cheese ball is covered with small green chopped chives and bits of reddish-brown bacon, giving it a rough, textured look. The cheese ball sits in the middle of a white plate on a white marbled surface, surrounded by a layer of golden-brown round crackers neatly arranged around it. The colors contrast well, with the bright green and pinkish red topping standing out against the neutral warm tones of the crackers and the white plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh beef instead of dried beef?

Dried beef has a distinctive salty, cured flavor that fresh beef doesn’t provide. For the best authentic taste, it’s recommended to use dried beef in this recipe.

Can I prepare the cheese ball in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball a day ahead. Just keep it wrapped and refrigerated until ready to garnish and serve.