Description
This classic Chipped Beef Cheese Ball is a perfect party appetizer featuring a creamy mixture of cream cheese, sharp white cheddar, and finely diced dried beef, seasoned with Worcestershire sauce and spices. It’s molded into a smooth ball, chilled, and then coated with extra beef, cheese, and green onions for a flavorful and crowd-pleasing dish best served with crackers.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Base
- 16 ounces cream cheese (2 (8-ounce) packages), softened to room temperature, full fat
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Mix-ins and Topping
- 5 ounces dried beef (2 (2.5-ounce) packages), finely diced
- 4 green onions, tops finely diced
- 1 ½ cups sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the cream cheese base: Add the softened cream cheese to a large mixing bowl to start the base of your cheese ball.
- Season the mixture: Add Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to the cream cheese. Use an electric mixer to blend everything thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate the mix-ins: Add three-quarters of the finely diced dried beef, green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese into the cream cheese mixture. Stir well to evenly combine these flavorful ingredients.
- Prepare for shaping: Lay a large sheet of plastic wrap on your countertop to assist in shaping the cheese ball.
- Transfer mixture to plastic wrap: Spoon the entire cheese mixture onto the center of the plastic wrap.
- Mold the cheese ball: Fold the plastic wrap around the cheese mixture and use your hands to shape it into a smooth, tight ball, ensuring it is fully covered by the plastic wrap.
- Chill the cheese ball: Refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball for at least two hours to allow it to firm up and the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the topping: On a medium plate, combine the remaining dried beef and shredded cheddar cheese, mixing them together to coat the outside of the cheese ball.
- Unwrap the cheese ball: Remove the chilled cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it carefully.
- Coat the cheese ball: Press the beef and cheese mixture evenly over the entire surface of the cheese ball to create a savory crust.
- Garnish: Place the coated cheese ball in the center of your serving dish and sprinkle the remaining finely diced green onions on top for a fresh finish.
- Serve: Surround the cheese ball with crackers and serve as a delicious appetizer at your gathering.
Notes
- For best texture, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
- Dried beef can be finely chopped with scissors or a sharp knife for even distribution.
- The cheese ball can be prepared up to a day in advance and kept refrigerated.
- Feel free to substitute sharp white cheddar with other cheeses like Colby Jack or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
- Use plastic wrap generously to easily shape and transfer the cheese ball without sticking.
- Serve with a variety of crackers, toasted bread slices, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
