You know that one dish that vanishes before you've even had a chance to grab your own plate? This Chipped Beef Cheese Ball is exactly that. It's the appetizer my friends beg me to bring, and the one I secretly love most because it takes barely any time to make.
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This Chipped Beef Cheese Ball isn't one of those fussy appetizer recipes that demands specialty ingredients or hours in the kitchen. It's wonderfully simple, absolutely irresistible, and guaranteed to disappear from the appetizer spread.
Whether you are looking for an appetizer to share, planning a holiday spread or looking for game day snacks, this chipped beef cheese ball is always a winner. Pair it with our reader favorite Layered Greek dip or these Bacon Cream Cheese Bites that always disappear and you have your snack bases covered.
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Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to make ahead: This cheese ball freezes beautifully. Perfect for holidays, game days, or any gathering.
- Zero stress: Just chop, mix, chill, roll, garnish and serve. No one needs to know how easy it is!
- No fancy equipment: Grab a mixing bowl, cutting board and a hand mixer and you are set.
Ingredients
You're only 6 ingredients away from this mouthwatering, savory cheese ball.
Ingredient Notes
- Cream cheese: Room temperature cream cheese is the key to a smooth and creamy dip.
- Dried beef: The Buddig Dried Beef is perfect for this recipe and is easy to find at the store.
- Cheddar cheese: Buy a block and grate it yourself for a smooth and creamy cheese ball. Pre-shredded cheese will also work in a pinch.
- Green onions: Mince them to get that great onion flavor in each bite. Chives or onion powder can be used instead.
- Butter: Salted or unsalted room temperature butter can be used.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
The hardest part about this cheese ball recipe is waiting for it to chill before you dig in.
- Step 1: Place the cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl and mix for 2-3 minutes until it is light and fluffy.
- Step 2: Add the diced meat, onions, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce and grated cheese and stir to combine.
- Step 3: Place the cheese mixture on a piece of plastic wrap and form into a ball, wrap tightly and refrigerate.
- Step 4: When you are ready to serve it, place the remaining dried beef and chopped chives on a plate and roll to coat it.
Flavor Tip
For an extra delicious cheese ball, mix it up and let it chill overnight. The flavors have time to meld together and intensify so it tastes even better than eating it right away!
FAQ
You can mix it, shape into a ball and wrap it tightly and keep it in the fridge for 3-5 days or freeze it for two months. Wait to garnish it with the dried beef and chives until right before serving.
Sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, or Gouda cheese are great options for this cheese ball - just be sure to grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese has preservatives to keep it from clumping and freshly grated cheese has a richer flavor and creamier texture. The few extra minutes it takes is a game changer.
You can't go wrong when you serve your cheese ball with Triscuits or a buttery cracker to let the dried beef flavor shine. Veggies are also a great option and add a splash of color to your appetizer spread.
Tips for the Best Chipped Beef Cheese Ball
- Soften cream cheese cheese fully: Make sure the cream cheese is completely softened before mixing. Room-temperature cream cheese blends smoother and prevents lumps, giving you a silky, creamy texture.
- Chill long enough for flavor development. Although 1 hour works, chilling for 2-4 hours (or even overnight) makes the flavors deepen and blend together.
- Dice the chipped beef finely. Chopping the chipped beef finely ensures that the beef flavor is tasted in every bite and looks more attractive on the coated cheese ball then large pieces.
- Serve it with a variety of dippers. This cheese ball pairs beautifully with crackers, pretzel crisps or fresh veggies. Offering a variety of fresh and crunchy dippers makes it even more crowd-pleasing.
Favorite Appetizers
Looking for other party-friendly snacks? These easy recipes always get rave reviews!
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Recipe
Easy Chipped Beef Cheese Ball Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 4 tablespoons butter room temperature
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 green onions sliced
- 5 ounces chipped beef diced (divided)
- ¼ cup chopped chives for garnish
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Instructions
- Place the softened cream cheese and butter in a large bowl and mix until smooth and creamy.16 ounces cream cheese, 4 tablespoons butter
- Add the cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, green onions and 4 ounces of beef to cream cheese mixture and stir until combined.1 cup cheddar cheese, 1½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 3 green onions, 5 ounces chipped beef
- Form the mixture into a ball and wrap in plastic. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour to let flavors meld.
- Place the remaining diced beef and chopped chives on a plate and mix together. Remove cheese ball from plastic and roll in the chive/beef mixture until the outside is well coated. Refrigerate until ready to serve.¼ cup chopped chives
Notes
- Soften cream cheese cheese fully: Make sure the cream cheese is completely softened before mixing. Room-temperature cream cheese blends smoother and prevents lumps, giving you a silky, creamy texture.
- Chill long enough for flavor development. Although 1 hour works, chilling for 2-4 hours (or even overnight) makes the flavors deepen and blend together.
- Dice the chipped beef finely. Chopping the chipped beef finely ensures that the beef flavor is tasted in every bite and looks more attractive on the coated then large pieces.
- Serve it with a variety of dippers. This cheese ball pairs beautifully with crackers, pretzel crisps or fresh veggies. Offering a variety of fresh and crunchy dippers makes it even more crowd-pleasing.
- Pull the cheese ball out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving.
- This recipe freezes well but wait to garnish until serving. You can also double the recipe and freeze one cheese ball for later. Thaw cheese ball in the fridge for 2 hours and roll in garnish before serving.
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Nutrition
Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.
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