The dried beef cheese ball is a timeless appetizer that brings together the intense, salty flavor of dried beef with rich, creamy cheese for an irresistible combination that guests absolutely love. This elegant yet simple recipe transforms humble ingredients into a sophisticated centerpiece that looks impressive on any party table. Unlike ordinary cheese balls that can be bland or one-dimensional, the addition of dried beef creates layers of savory flavor with a satisfying texture contrast. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cocktail parties, or casual get-togethers, this dried beef cheese ball delivers the kind of crowd-pleasing appeal that makes it disappear quickly from appetizer spreads while leaving everyone asking for seconds.
Serves: 10-12 people
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 3 hours
Assembly Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- 4 ounces dried beef, finely chopped
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Assorted crackers for serving
Preparing the Dried Beef
Remove the dried beef from its packaging and examine each piece, discarding any that seem overly tough or have dark spots. Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut the dried beef into small, uniform pieces about ¼ inch in size. The pieces should be small enough to distribute evenly throughout the cheese mixture but large enough to provide texture and bursts of flavor. Set aside about 2 tablespoons of the chopped dried beef for mixing into the coating later.
Creating the Cheese Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise, beating with an electric mixer or wooden spoon until completely smooth and fluffy. The mixture should have no lumps of cream cheese remaining. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
Incorporating the Dried Beef
Fold the majority of the chopped dried beef into the cheese mixture, reserving the 2 tablespoons you set aside earlier. Mix gently but thoroughly, ensuring the beef pieces are evenly distributed without overmixing, which could make the mixture too dense. The dried beef should be visible throughout the mixture, providing both flavor and appealing visual contrast.
Shaping and Initial Chilling
Transfer the cheese and beef mixture onto a large sheet of plastic wrap. Using the wrap to help guide and contain the mixture, shape it into a smooth, compact ball about 4 inches in diameter. Wrap the ball tightly in the plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets remain, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. This chilling time is crucial for the cheese ball to hold its shape and develop deeper flavors.
Preparing the Coating
About 30 minutes before serving, combine the chopped nuts, fresh parsley, and the reserved 2 tablespoons of dried beef in a shallow dish or plate. Mix these coating ingredients together evenly, creating an attractive and flavorful exterior that will add both visual appeal and textural contrast to each bite.
Final Assembly and Presentation
Remove the chilled cheese ball from the refrigerator and carefully unwrap it. Roll the firm cheese ball in the nut mixture, pressing gently with your hands to ensure the coating adheres well to the entire surface. The coating should cover the ball completely, creating an attractive, textured appearance that showcases all the ingredients.
Serving Your Dried Beef Cheese Ball
Place the finished cheese ball on an attractive serving platter and surround it with an assortment of sturdy crackers, such as water crackers, wheat thins, or sliced baguette rounds. Provide a small cheese knife or spreading knife for easy serving. Allow the cheese ball to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to achieve the perfect spreadable consistency.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this dried beef cheese ball contains approximately 275-295 calories, making it a substantial appetizer option. The dish provides about 12-15 grams of protein from the cheese and dried beef, 4-6 grams of carbohydrates, and 24-27 grams of fat. The high protein content makes it more satisfying than many traditional appetizers, while the combination of fats helps create lasting satiety.
Health Benefits
This flavorful appetizer offers several nutritional advantages beyond its delicious taste. The dried beef provides high-quality complete protein containing all essential amino acids necessary for muscle maintenance and repair. Cream cheese and cheddar cheese contribute significant calcium for bone health, phosphorus for cellular function, and vitamin A for eye health. The nuts in the coating add heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamin E as an antioxidant, and magnesium for muscle and nerve function. Green onions provide vitamin K for blood clotting and small amounts of vitamin C. The combination of protein and healthy fats helps promote feelings of fullness, encouraging reasonable portion sizes.
Tips for the Best Results
Choose high-quality dried beef from the deli section rather than packaged versions when possible, as it typically has better flavor and texture. Make sure the cream cheese is completely softened before mixing to prevent lumps in the final product. The cheese ball can be made up to 4 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator, but add the coating just before serving to maintain its texture. For variation, try substituting chopped almonds or pistachios for the traditional pecans. If the mixture seems too soft to hold its shape, chill for an additional hour before forming the ball. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.
