Old Fashioned Dried Beef Cheese Ball Recipe

This old-fashioned dried beef cheese ball recipe is sure to please! It’s easy to make and takes just 10 minutes from start to finish. Plus, it’s the perfect appetizer for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or a formal dinner party. So why wait? Try this dried beef cheese ball recipe today!

My mom has been making this dried beef and green onion cheese ball recipe for as long as I can remember. The red dried beef and green onion make it perfect for a holiday appetizer. But it’s also great any time of the year!

We really love to serve it on New Year’s Eve or Super Bowl Sunday, as well. But it’s just as good at a summer BBQ or potluck.

No matter when you make it, this dried beef cheese ball recipe is always a hit!

Ingredients needed

To make this cheese ball recipe, you will need the following ingredients…

• Cream cheese: I prefer to use full-fat cream cheese, but you could also use reduced-fat or even fat-free. (My husband bought the cream cheese in the picture, so he grabbed the 1/3 fat instead of full fat.)
• Dried beef: This is a thin, dried, and cured beef that’s usually found in the deli section of your grocery store. You could also use chipped beef, which is a bit more finely chopped.
• Green onion: You’ll need one green onion bunch for this recipe. I like to use both the white and green parts. The light green and white parts have the best flavor, but the dark green is good for color!
• Worcestershire sauce: This is a staple ingredient in many cheese ball recipes. It adds a lot of salty, umami flavor, so don’t skip it!
• Accent: This is a dried seasoning blend that you can find in the spice aisle of your grocery store. It’s usually a mixture of salt, MSG, and dried vegetables.
• Paprika: This is for garnish only. I like to use smoked paprika, but you could also use regular paprika.

Kitchen equipment needed

Here are a few things you’ll need to make a delicious dried beef cheese ball:

• Knife or Food Processor
• Stand mixer (or hand mixer)
• Teaspoon

What to serve with a holiday dried beef cheese ball

When it comes to making appetizers for my holiday dinner, I love to make a whole spread. This includes a delicious charcuterie board! Along with classic meats and cheeses, I like to add a few festive items. This can include things like dried cranberries, apricots, or even figs!

To give my charcuterie board a holiday twist, I like to use this recipe for a chipped beef cheeseball as my centerpiece and add in the rest of my treats around it.

If you really want to enjoy this cheese ball, I recommend eating it with pretzels, club crackers, and chopped veggies (such as carrots, celery, and radishes). Want to go extra cheesy? Serve these cheese wafers!

FAQs

Whenever I share this cheese ball recipe, I get some of the same questions. Here are the most popular ones that people ask!

If you have a question that isn’t listed here, please leave them in the comments, and I’ll answer them as soon as I possibly can.

Is chipped beef the same as dried beef?

Yes, chipped beef and dried beef are the same things. Chipped beef is simply thinly sliced dried beef.

What can you substitute for chipped beef?

If you’re not a fan of chipped beef, you can certainly substitute it for another type of dried meat. Some other options include ham or bacon. You could also use a combination of meats if you’d like!

What is the best cream cheese to use for this recipe?

I always recommend using full-fat cream cheese for this recipe. It’s important to use a block of cream cheese, not the spreadable kind that comes in a tub. The block of cream cheese will give your cheese ball the best texture!

How long will a dried beef cheese ball last in the fridge?

If stored properly in an airtight container, a dried beef cheese ball will last for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.

Can I make this dried beef cheese ball recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This is actually one of those recipes that’s even better when made ahead of time. I recommend making it at least 24 hours in advance so that the flavors have a chance to meld together.

Can I freeze a dried beef cheese ball?

Yes, you can! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before freezing. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then let it come to room temperature before serving.

More grandma-approved recipes to try

If you enjoyed this recipe for an old-fashioned cheese ball, take a look at some of these other delicious recipes:

• Spicy White Pimento Cheese Dip
• Bisquick Sausage Balls
• Chicken Crescent Roll Squares
• Cheesy Bacon Spinach Dip
• Ham and Cheese Sliders

If you decide to try this recipe, let me know. I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!

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