A creamed chipped beef cheese ball is a classic, savory party appetizer that’s incredibly easy to make. The recipe brings together a creamy, tangy base with salty dried beef and fresh green onions. It’s a nostalgic dish that’s perfect for any gathering.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common ingredients and the simple method for making it, based on several variations of the recipe.
📝 Standard Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Most versions are built on a very similar base, though there are a few common additions.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cream Cheese | 16 oz (two 8-oz blocks) | Softened to room temperature is crucial for a smooth, lump-free texture . |
| Dried Chipped Beef | 1 (4.5 to 8 oz) jar or package | Finely chop or snip with kitchen shears. Reserve some for coating the outside . |
| Green Onions (Scallions) | 3-5 stalks, finely chopped | Reserve some for coating or garnish . |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 1 to 1.5 teaspoons | Adds a rich, savory depth of flavor . |
| Garlic Powder | ½ teaspoon | For savory flavor without adding texture . |
| Onion Powder | ½ teaspoon | Complements the fresh green onions . |
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese | 1 cup (optional) | Adds extra sharp, cheesy flavor and texture . |
| Mayonnaise | ¼ cup (optional) | Adds extra creaminess to the mixture . |
👩🍳 Simple Method
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Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the chopped dried beef, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to mix until everything is well combined and smooth .
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Taste and Adjust: Give the mixture a taste. The dried beef is naturally very salty, so you likely won’t need to add any extra salt, but feel free to adjust other seasonings to your liking .
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Shape into a Ball: Transfer the mixture onto a large sheet of plastic wrap. Gather the edges of the wrap and twist it tightly, using your hands to shape the mixture into a firm ball .
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Chill: Refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball for at least 1 to 2 hours. This helps it firm up and allows the flavors to meld together .
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Coat and Serve: Before serving, unwrap the chilled cheese ball. Roll it in the reserved chopped dried beef, green onions, or even chopped pecans for added texture . Place it on a serving platter with your favorite crackers, pretzels, or vegetable sticks . Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to make it soft and spreadable .
This is a fantastic make-ahead appetizer. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and keep it wrapped in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve .