Nothing says “party ready” quite like a homemade dried beef cheese ball. This classic appetizer has been a family tradition in my kitchen since I was young. I vividly remember my grandmother preparing it for every gathering, the savory aroma filling the air as she mixed cream cheese and chopped dried beef into a deliciously creamy spread. Today, I’m excited to pass along this cherished dried beef cheese ball recipe that never fails to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Dried Beef Cheese Ball
The dried beef cheese ball combines rich cream cheese, savory dried beef, and a hint of herbs to create a creamy, flavorful appetizer. It’s easy to prepare, and its satisfying taste makes it a must-have for any gathering.
Pure Comfort
A dried beef cheese brings a sense of comfort and nostalgia to every bite. The creamy cheese, balanced by the savory dried beef and fresh green onions, creates a bite that’s both indulgent and familiar.
Ingredients for Dried Beef Cheese Ball
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 jar (4.5 ounces) dried beef, finely chopped
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Assorted crackers and sliced vegetables for serving
What You Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or spoon
- Plastic wrap
- Serving plate
Time to Cook Dried Beef Cheese Ball
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Steps to Make It
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and green onions until smooth.
- Fold in the chopped dried beef, reserving a bit for garnish.
- Shape the mixture into a ball and roll it in chopped parsley and reserved dried beef.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Unwrap and place on a serving plate. Serve with crackers and fresh vegetables.
Make It Perfect
For an even more flavorful dried beef cheese ball, let it chill overnight before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Mix It Up
Experiment with different mix-ins like crumbled bacon, chopped nuts, or diced roasted red peppers to give your dried beef cheese a unique twist.
Perfect Partners
Pair your dried beef cheese with easy baked taco lasagne or a refreshing tzatziki sauce for a well-rounded appetizer table.
Busy Day Hero
You can prepare the cheese ball up to two days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic and refrigerate until it’s party time.
Work Ahead
Chop your dried beef and green onions ahead of time. Store them in the fridge so when you’re ready, you can assemble the cheese ball quickly.
Save Some For Later
Leftover dried beef cheese can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Enjoy it as a spread on bagels or sandwiches the next day.
Everyone’s Happy
This dried beef cheese is universally loved by guests of all ages, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings, holidays, or casual parties.
Good For You Too
Lighten up the recipe by using low-fat cream cheese and serving with fresh vegetables like celery and bell peppers instead of crackers.
Easy Clean Up
This recipe requires just one mixing bowl and a few utensils, making clean-up a breeze.
Switch It Up
For a different flavor, roll your dried beef cheese in finely chopped toasted pecans or almonds instead of parsley.
Simply Perfect
The combination of creaminess, savory dried beef, and aromatic herbs makes this dried beef cheese ball simply perfect for any occasion.
FAQs for Dried Beef Cheese Ball
Q: Can I make the cheese ball ahead of time?
A: Yes! The flavors improve when it’s chilled overnight.
Q: Can I freeze the cheese ball?
A: While fresh is best, you can freeze it tightly wrapped for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Q: Can I use different meats?
A: Yes, you can try finely chopped ham, bacon, or smoked turkey as alternatives to dried beef.
Conclusion for Dried Beef Cheese Ball
This dried beef cheese is a timeless classic that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to be the star of your next gathering. For more mouth-watering recipes, check out cheesy pasta recipe and marry me chicken pasta to complete your party menu.
Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!
Print
Dried Beef Cheese Ball Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Discover the perfect dried beef cheese ball with cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, green onions, and parsley for a savory, creamy snack.
Ingredients
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 jar (4.5 ounces) dried beef, finely chopped
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Assorted crackers and fresh vegetables for serving
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and green onions until smooth.
Fold in chopped dried beef, reserving a small portion for garnish.
Shape mixture into a ball and roll in chopped parsley and reserved dried beef.
Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Unwrap and place on a serving plate.
Garnish with parsley and serve with crackers and vegetables.
Notes
For extra flavor, chill the cheese ball overnight to let the flavors meld. Use light cream cheese for a lower-fat version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg