Dried Beef Cheese Ball

This Dried Beef Cheese Ball is a savory, creamy, and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or any gathering. It combines the rich, tangy flavors of cream cheese with the saltiness of dried beef and the crunch of nuts for an irresistible bite-sized treat. Serve it with crackers, veggies, or bread, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dip that’s both easy to make and delicious!

Ingredients:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
6 oz dried beef, chopped into small pieces (usually comes in jars)
1/2 cup finely chopped green onions (about 2-3 stalks)
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for coating)
For garnish (optional): extra green onions, parsley, or additional dried beef slices

Instructions:

Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix everything together until smooth and well combined. You can use a hand mixer, stand mixer, or just a spoon to mix by hand.
Add the Dried Beef:
- Chop the dried beef into small, bite-sized pieces and stir it into the cream cheese mixture, along with the chopped green onions. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
Shape the Cheese Ball:
- Once everything is mixed, shape the mixture into a ball with your hands. It will be a bit sticky, so you can lightly wet your hands or use plastic wrap to help shape it.
Coat with Nuts:
- If using chopped pecans or walnuts, place them on a large plate or cutting board. Gently roll the cheese ball in the nuts until it’s completely covered. The nuts add a nice crunch and flavor, but you can skip them if you prefer a smoother texture.
Chill:
- Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight. Chilling helps the flavors meld and makes the cheese ball easier to slice and serve.
Serve:
- Once chilled, remove the cheese ball from the fridge and place it on a serving platter. If desired, garnish with extra chopped green onions, parsley, or a few slices of dried beef for decoration.
- Serve with your choice of crackers, bread slices, veggie sticks (like carrots, celery, and bell peppers), or pretzels.

Tips & Variations:

Spice it Up: Add a little hot sauce, jalapeño peppers, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
Use Different Cheeses: If you prefer, substitute the sharp cheddar with other types of cheese like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or cream cheese for a creamier texture.
Add Fresh Herbs: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme for a fresh burst of flavor.
Make it Low-Carb: If you’re following a low-carb diet, skip the nuts for coating and serve with low-carb veggies like cucumbers, radishes, or celery sticks.

Serving Suggestions:

Party Appetizer: This cheese ball is the perfect addition to a party spread or charcuterie board. It pairs well with wine, beer, or cocktails.
Game Day Snack: Serve this at your next game day gathering alongside chips, nachos, and other fun finger foods.
Holiday Gatherings: It’s an ideal choice for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve parties, as it’s festive and easy to make ahead.

Enjoy your Dried Beef Cheese Ball! This savory, creamy treat will be a big hit at any gathering. The combination of rich cheeses, tangy beef, and crunchy nuts makes for a delicious appetizer that’s sure to disappear quickly!

Let me know how it turns out, or if you have any other questions or variations you’d like to try!