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I’ve always been a bit cheesy…what can I say? Today, I’m going to share with you the super spontaneous cheese ball recipe my father-in-law and I put together over the holidays. When we made this, I had not made a cheese ball in over ten years. However, since making this dried beef cheese ball recipe at his house on that day, we have both made this ever since several times.

cheese ball with dried beef and green onions surrounded by crackers and a green text overlay

Choosing Dried Beef Cheese Ball Toppings and Fillings

It seems there are as many cheese ball variations out there as there are types of candy. I prefer a cheese ball with chopped nuts. That little crunch really balances out the creamy texture. And of course, cheese. I would have never thought to have used dried beef (chipped beef) in any recipe, to be honest, if my father-in-law had not already had it on hand. It’s just not something I ever think about, but it is so easy and tasty in this recipe!

Cheese Ball Toppings to Consider

Shredded Cheddar (from the block)
Shredded Monterrey Jack (from the block)
Shredded Pepper Jack (from the block)
Chopped Pecans
Chopped Walnuts
Chopped green onions
Black Olives
Cranberries

And so many more!

For the dried beef cheese ball we are featuring today, our primary ingredients are chipped beef, chopped pecans, green onions, and Cheddar cheese.

on table lays a gathering of ingredients for cheese ball with pecans and green onions

As I mentioned, I have never worked much with dried beef prior to this recipe. But, man, it is so easy to use!

When to Serve a Dried Beef and Green Onion Cheese Ball

The question is…when not to serve it? This party appetizer can work for casual events like a football party to a fancier event like a baby shower. In my opinion, it is a bit more special than a dip because it does involve a bit more hands-on effort. Therefore, it should be deemed impressive at most events.

dried beef cheese ball with Ritz Crackers

What Types of Crackers for a Cheese Ball with Dried Beef?

Most cheese balls are quite firm to the touch. This means most crackers are going to break somewhat easily if shoved directly into the cheese ball. I suggest serving this dried beef cheese ball with Wheat Thins and other firm crackers. However, they may still very well break if pushed directly into the ball. I suggest using cute little cheese spreaders or dip spreaders to spread the cheese onto the crackers. If using the spreaders, you can choose a variety of different textured crackers – from strong wheat crackers to flaky Ritz Crackers.

man dips cracker into cheese ball with dried beef

With our chipped beef cheese ball recipe, we use a combination of Wheat Thins, Ritz Crackers, and soft pita chips. Since this cheese ball has a rather salty taste thanks to the chipped beef, I avoid super salty crackers.

cheese ball with dried beef surrounded by crackers

Cheese Ball with Dried Beef, Green Onions and Pecans

This easy cheese ball with dried beef, green onions, and pecans is casual enough for a football party and fancy enough for a baby shower or similar type of event. You will love how easy this chipped beef cheese ball is!

4.82 from 43 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 20

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings servings

Calories 294 kcal

Equipment

1 vegetable chopper or processor (optional for chopping the dried beef, green onion, and pecans)
1 cheese grater

Ingredients

Dried Beef Cheese Ball Filling

16 ounces Cream Cheese 2 bricks; softened
¼ cup Sour Cream
1 ounce Dried beef (about ⅙ cup)
1 ¾ cups Sharp cheddar shredded
¼ cup Pecans chopped
¼ cup Green onion chopped
1 tablespoon Garlic salt
1 teaspoon Black pepper

Cheese Ball Toppings

1 ounce Dried beef (about ⅙ cup)
¼ cup Sharp cheddar shredded
¼ cup Green onion chopped
¼ cup Pecans chopped

Instructions

Make the Cream Cheese Ball Filling

In medium-sized mixing bowl, mix all cheese ball ingredients as evenly as possible, starting with the cream cheese and ending with the pepper.
Shape the mixture into a ball.

Make the Cheese Ball Toppings

On a large rimmed plate or rimmed baking sheet, pour all topping ingredients (dried beef, green onion, pecans, shredded Cheddar) and spread into a shallow layer.
Using your hands, roll the cheese ball all over the layer of toppings until the ball is evenly coated.
Add more toppings to any thin spots so the ball is uniformly coated with toppings.
Chill for one hour in a bowl with a lid or in a bowl covered with plastic wrap.

Serve the Cheese Ball

Serve at room temperature with a variety of hearty crackers or Pita chips.

Notes

*Feel free to change out shredded cheese to your liking. However, freshly grated cheese is best for this recipe.

*Provide cheese knives or spreaders for your guests to use. Crackers will likely break if pushed straight into the cheese ball.

*Store leftover cheese ball in the refrigerator covered with a lid or plastic wrap – up to 3-4 days.

*The dried beef cheese ball filling can be made in advance. You can roll it into a ball and cover with plastic until time to use. Simply remove from the fridge and roll in the toppings just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 294kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 9gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 989mgPotassium: 130mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 925IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 222mgIron: 1mg

Keyword cheese ball, dried beef, party food

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!