Chipped Beef Cheese Ball

If you’re looking for a healthy, light snack that features nothing but fresh ingredients, then let’s be honest: You’ve come to the wrong place. On the other hand, if you want a delightful appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties and really any food-centric event, then this chipped beef cheese ball is a perfect pick.

It takes just 10 minutes to make this cheese ball with chipped beef, though it will need to chill for a bit in the fridge. It’s a savory delight, especially when served with your favorite crackers or sliced vegetables.

Chipped Beef Cheese Ball Ingredients

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• Thinly sliced dried beef: Sliced dried beef is shelf-stable, but is best kept in the fridge where it can last for four to six months.
• Cream cheese: The cream cheese in this cheese ball should be softened, so plan to remove it from the fridge at least 30 minutes before you start prepping.
• Chopped sweet onion: Make sure the sweet onion is very finely chopped, so it mixes into the cheese ball evenly.
• Worcestershire sauce: Just a few drops of Worcestershire sauce go along way, so don’t overdo it unless you are a true fan of the stuff.
• Ritz crackers and assorted fresh vegetables: Ritz crackers, sliced carrots, sliced peppers and other tasty morsels are ideal for dipping and spreading with this savory beef and cheese ball.

Directions

Step 1: Mix the cream cheese

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Place the beef in a food processor and pulse it until it’s finely chopped. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth. Stir in 2/3 cup of the processed beef, the onion and the Worcestershire sauce. Refrigerate the cream cheese mixture, covered, for at least one hour.

Step 2: Assemble the cheese ball

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Place the remaining beef in a small, shallow bowl. Shape the cheese mixture into a ball, then roll it in the beef to coat the exterior evenly. Wrap and refrigerate the beef and cheese ball for at least one hour, then serve it with crackers and vegetables.

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Chipped Beef Cheese Ball Variations

• Roll it in nuts: You can add a pleasant crunch to this beef and cheese ball by rolling the ball in finely-chopped or crushed nuts. A nut blend is ideal.
• Give it some kick: Adding in a teaspoon or so of horseradish gives this chipped beef cheese ball a welcome bit of spice.
• Double or triple the sauce: If you’re a fan of Worcestershire sauce, go ahead and add more than those four drops. You might go as far as using an entire teaspoon.

How to Store a Chipped Beef Cheese Ball

To store a cheese ball, first wrap it tightly in storage wrap, then wrap in in a layer of foil. Re-shape the cheese ball again with your hands and then refrigerate it for up to one week.

Can you make a chipped beef cheese ball ahead of time?

Yes, you can make a cheese ball ahead of time by wrapping it tightly in storage wrap and refrigerating it. It should last up to a week in the refrigerator.

Chipped Beef Cheese Ball Tips

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Can I use beef jerky for this chipped beef cheese ball recipe?

Beef jerky won’t work so well in a chipped beef cheese ball. Dried beef really does have a different texture than beef jerky, which can be too tough to make a proper appetizer ball. Bites will be too chewy, and you’ll have a hard time chopping the jerky into small enough pieces.

What else can I serve with this chipped beef cheese ball?

While crackers and firm veggies make great accompaniments, you can also serve this chipped beef cheese ball with hearty breads, pita chips, or whatever else sounds good to you.

Can I add green onions to this beef cheese ball recipe?

Absolutely, chopped green onions added to the mix will give this chipped beef cheese ball a bit of fresh, spicy onion flavor, and a touch of green color. They are a welcome addition.