Parties and game nights demand a show-stopping appetizer that packs serious flavor, and this creamed chipped beef cheese ball delivers pure deliciousness.
Savory, creamy, and irresistibly rich, the recipe combines classic deli favorites into one incredible snack.
Traditional beef and cream cheese meld together with unexpected zesty seasonings that make every bite memorable.
Salty chipped beef adds depth and texture to the smooth cheese base, creating an appetizer that stands out from typical party spreads.
Guests will devour this crowd-pleasing cheese ball faster than you can slice a cracker.
Serve with crisp crackers or fresh vegetable sticks for a guaranteed hit that transforms any gathering into a tasty celebration.
This appetizer promises to be the star of your next get-together.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories: 126 kcal
Servings: 11
What’s Inside Creamed Chipped Beef Cheese Ball
For Base and Binding:
Cream Cheese: Provides creamy, rich foundation that holds ingredients together, select full-fat variety for best texture and flavor.
Chipped Dried Beef: Delivers savory, salty protein punch, choose lean, finely cut beef for even distribution.
For Flavor Enhancers:
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep, tangy umami complexity, opt for traditional brand for authentic taste.
Garlic Powder: Introduces subtle, warm aromatic notes, select fresh, fragrant version for maximum impact.
Green Onions: Brings fresh, bright zesty element, pick crisp, vibrant stalks with no wilting.
Salt: Balances and intensifies overall flavor profile, use sparingly as dried beef is naturally salty.
For Serving:
Ritz Crackers: Provides crunchy, buttery vessel for cheese ball, select original flavor for classic experience.
Tool Up for Creamed Chipped Beef Cheese Ball
Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients smoothly.
Cutting board: Perfect for chopping chipped beef and green onions.
Sharp knife: Helps chop ingredients finely and precisely.
Plastic wrap: Needed to shape and wrap the cheese ball.
Measuring spoons: For accurately measuring garlic and onion powder.
Serving platter: Great for presenting the finished cheese ball.
How to Shape a Creamed Chipped Beef Cheese Ball
Cheese Preparation Soften cream cheese at room temperature until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Flavor Mixture Finely chop chipped beef and green onions, then blend with softened cream cheese. Sprinkle in garlic and onion powder, adjusting salt to enhance the overall taste profile.
Shaping and Chilling Carefully shape the mixture into a compact ball using plastic wrap. Refrigerate for a quick 20-minute rest to help the flavors meld and the texture firm up.
Elegant Presentation Transfer the cheese ball to a serving platter. Scatter fresh green onion snippets on top for a vibrant and appetizing finish. Serve with crispy crackers for a delightful party snack.
Variations for Creamed Chipped Beef Cheese Ball Fun
Keep the cheese ball refrigerated for up to 3 days, which helps intensify the flavors and maintains its perfect texture.
Experiment with different types of dried beef like Budweiser or Hormel brands to discover unique flavor profiles that complement the cream cheese base.
Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for an extra kick that elevates the traditional chipped beef flavor.
Swap Ritz crackers with pretzel crisps, toasted baguette slices, or even cucumber rounds for a lighter, gluten-free alternative that still provides a delightful crunch.
Prepare the cheese ball a day before your gathering, allowing the ingredients to meld together and create a more robust taste that will impress your guests.
Presenting the Creamed Chipped Beef Cheese Ball
Cracker Companion Delight: Arrange an assortment of crispy Ritz crackers, butter crackers, and pretzel crisps around the cheese ball for a delightful crunch and variety of textures.
Party Platter Perfection: Create a beautiful appetizer spread by surrounding the cheese ball with colorful fresh vegetable sticks like cucumber slices, carrot strips, and bell pepper wedges for a fresh contrast.
Dipping Extravaganza: Offer multiple dipping options beside the cheese ball, such as wheat thins, toasted baguette slices, and hearty pita chips to give guests different ways to enjoy this savory treat.
Elegant Garnish Touch: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh chives or parsley on top of the cheese ball for a pop of color and an extra layer of herbal freshness that enhances the overall presentation.
Storing Creamed Chipped Beef Cheese Ball Properly
Chill and Thrive: Store the cheese ball in an airtight container to maintain its fresh flavor and texture for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Meal Prep Magic: Prepare this appetizer 1-2 days before your gathering to save time and let the flavors meld together beautifully.
Freezing Finesse: Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil for freezer storage up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Cracker Companion: Pair with a variety of crackers like buttery Ritz, whole grain options, or crisp vegetable sticks for different texture experiences.
Savory creamed chipped beef cheese ball delivers classic diner flavors in an elegant appetizer. Midwestern comfort merges with party-perfect presentation, promising delightful bites you’ll crave at gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
16 oz (454 g) cream cheese
8 oz (227 g) chipped dried beef
1.5 tbsps (22 mL) Worcestershire sauce
0.5 tsp (2.5 g) garlic powder
0.5 tsp (2.5 g) onion powder
Salt (to taste)
3 stalks green onions
Ritz crackers (for serving)
Instructions
Preparation: Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for optimal blending, approximately 30 minutes.
Ingredient Preparation: Finely dice chipped beef and mince green onions to ensure even flavor distribution throughout the mixture.
Mixing: Combine softened cream cheese with chopped chipped beef and green onions in a mixing bowl, thoroughly blending with a sturdy spatula until ingredients are fully incorporated.
Seasoning: Fold in garlic powder, onion powder, and kosher salt, carefully adjusting to create a balanced and robust flavor profile.
Shaping: Use plastic wrap to form the cheese mixture into a compact, symmetrical ball, gently pressing to eliminate air pockets and create a smooth exterior.
Chilling: Refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball for 25-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and texture to firm up.
Serving: Transfer the chilled cheese ball to a decorative platter, garnishing with additional chopped green onions for visual appeal and a fresh flavor accent.
Accompaniment: Present alongside Ritz crackers or an assortment of crisp crackers to complement the creamy, savory cheese ball.
Notes
Chill for Success: Refrigerate the cheese ball for 25-30 minutes to enhance flavor melding and achieve a firmer, more manageable texture.
Room Temperature Trick: Let cream cheese sit out for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, effortless blending and prevent lumpy consistency.
Precision Chopping: Dice chipped beef and green onions uniformly to distribute flavors evenly and create a balanced bite in every serving.
Seasoning Secrets: Taste and adjust salt levels carefully, as chipped beef can be naturally salty, to maintain a perfect flavor balance.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.