My cheese beef cheese ball recipe is a classic recipe that I especially love during the holidays. It’s filled with chipped beef, creamy cheese, flavorful seasonings, and a hint of freshness from green onions. Not only is it simple to make, but it’s a sure fire crowd pleasing appetizer that is great for celebrations any time of the year.

 

This dried beef cheese ball is something my parents would make every holiday season when our family and friends would visit. Now it’s a must make tradition and has become a staple during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I am a huge lover of appetizers and this recipe is one of my favorites, especially when it comes to cheese balls. I like serving it with butter Ritz crackers or Club crackers alongside some colorful cut of veggies.

Cheese balls are so simple to make and always are a show stopper on a party table. I recommend skipping the pre-made ones at the store and trying this easy recipe.

If you are looking for more cream cheese appetizers be sure to check out this chipped beef dip, cream cheese fruit dip, and this popular crack dip.

Why this recipe works

• Easy to make. Just a few ingredients are needed to make this recipe.
• Make ahead appetizer. You can make this dried beef cheese ball ahead of time which works well during the busy holiday season.
• Nostalgic. A classic recipe that always is a hit with family and friends.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese – You will use 2 blocks of softened cream cheese for the base of the mixture. Full fat cream cheese works best but you can substitute with low-fat.
• Shredded cheese – I like using cheddar or colby jack mixture.
• Green onion – Adds color and mild onion flavor.
• Chipped beef – Also known as dried beef. This is the main ingredient and the star of the show. Buddig beef is one of the most popular brands you can find at the grocery store.
• Worcestershire sauce – Adds great umami flavor.
• Seasoned salt and garlic powder

What is chipped beef?

Chipped beef is pressed, salted and dried beef that has been sliced very thin. The classic chipped beef used for this recipe can typically be found in the canned meat aisle. It’s usually in a jar. I would recommend using Hormel or Armour brand.

I like using Buddig beef which is found in the refrigerated section of pre-sliced deli meats. My mom used this beef so it’s what I grew up with.

How to make chipped beef cheese ball

Scroll down for full printable recipe, simple ingredients and instructional video.

1. Combine: Place the softened cream cheese in a mixer bowl. Beat for 1-2 minutes to cream the cream cheese. Mix in the chopped dried beef, shredded cheese, green onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and seasoned salt.

2. Shape: Place the mixture on a piece of plastic wrap. Pull up the corners and twist them together to close. Roll or form the mixture into a bowl.

3. Cool: Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 20 minutes.
4. Coat: Place the reserved chipped beef and diced green onions on a plate. Roll the cheese ball over them to coat the cheese ball. Serve or refrigerate until ready to eat.

How to roll a cheese ball

Using plastic wrap helps to form a cheese ball with minimal mess. Place the the cheese mixture in the middle of a section of plastic wrap.

Gather the corners together and twist. Use your hands to form a ball. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips and variations

• Soften cream cheese. It’s important to allow the cream cheese to soften so that it’s easier to mix together and it’s creamy, not lumpy.
• Dice small. Make sure to cut your onion and chipped beef into small pieces.
• Serving. When ready to serve, take the cheese ball out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes beforehand to give the cheese ball a few minutes to soften. This makes it easier to spread.
• Try adding nuts. If you want some crunch, you an add chopped nuts to the outside of the cheese ball.
• Add a bit of heat. If you want your cheese ball spicy, mix in 1 tablespoon of prepared horseradish with the cream cheese mixture.

Serving suggestions

I like serving this chipped beef cheese ball with crackers, cut up vegetables, or little pieces of toast.

The mixture also works well as a pinwheel filling or even in stuffed mushrooms.

How long does it last?

If you are serving this at a party, it will last about 2 hours sitting out at room temperature.

When you are ready to store the leftovers, make sure to wrap it in plastic wrap or put in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Can I freeze chipped beef cheese ball

Yes, you can freeze this cheese ball. Wrap it in plastic wrap and then put it in a freezer safe bag. When you are ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Common questions

More delicious appetizers

• Hot sausage beer cheese dip – One of our favorite appetizers.
• Jalapeno popper dip – A baked dip made with cream cheese.
• Sausage balls – These make a great appetizer or meal.
• Bacon wrapped water chestnuts – A classic recipe.
• Cream cheese stuffed mini peppers – A colorful appetizer recipe.

If you made this cheese ball with dried beef, be sure to let me know in the comments.