Description
This Dried Beef Cheese Ball is a creamy, savory, and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or game nights. Made with cream cheese, dried beef, green onions, and seasonings, this cheese ball is packed with flavor and pairs beautifully with crackers, pretzels, or fresh veggies. Ready in just 10 minutes (plus chilling time), it’s a delicious make-ahead snack that will impress your guests!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (4 oz) sour cream
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (2.5 oz) package dried beef, finely chopped
- ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra richness)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or chopped dried beef (for coating, optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Cream Cheese Base:
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
Add the Mix-ins:
- Stir in the chopped dried beef, green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese (if using) until well combined.
Shape the Cheese Ball:
- Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap and shape it into a ball using your hands.
- Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours) to allow flavors to meld.
Coat the Cheese Ball (Optional):
- Roll the chilled cheese ball in chopped pecans or additional chopped dried beef for added texture and flavor.
Serve:
- Place on a serving platter and garnish with extra green onions if desired.
- Serve with crackers, pretzels, pita chips, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- For a stronger flavor: Chill the cheese ball overnight before serving.
- Substitutions: You can use chopped ham or bacon bits instead of dried beef.
- Spicy twist: Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg