If there’s one appetizer that always shows up on the holiday table—and disappears fast—it’s a dried beef cheese ball. This is one of those classic, no-fail recipes that comes together in minutes but tastes like you put in way more effort. I love recipes like this for entertaining because they’re simple, reliable, and always a hit.
This dried beef cheese ball is creamy, savory, and full of flavor thanks to minced dried beef, green onions, and just the right amount of seasoning. Best of all, it comes together in about 5 minutes, which makes it perfect for last-minute guests, holiday parties, or anytime you need an easy appetizer that everyone loves.
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I usually serve this with buttery crackers or pretzels, and it’s one of those appetizers people hover around. Every. Single. Time.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Dried Beef Cheese Ball
- It’s ready in just 5 minutes
- Perfect make-ahead holiday appetizer
- Classic, nostalgic flavor everyone recognizes
- Budget-friendly and easy to customize
- Great for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that you may already have on hand:
- Cream cheese
- Dried beef divided
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Fresh parsley divided
- Green onions (optional)
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
- Black pepper
How to Make a Dried Beef Cheese Ball
This really couldn’t be easier.
Start by finely mincing the dried beef. You’ll want it chopped small so it mixes evenly into the cream cheese. Set a portion aside for rolling the outside of the cheese ball later.
In a bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, minced dried beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder,1-2 Tbsp of the parsley, shredded cheddar (if using), and black pepper. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined.
Once mixed, scoop the cheese mixture onto plastic wrap and shape it into a ball. Refrigerate for 1 hour so it firms up and the flavors come together. Roll the outside in the reserved dried beef & fresh parsley until fully coated.
Serve chilled with crackers, pretzels, or sliced veggies.
Helpful Tips
- Make this cheese ball a day or two ahead—it tastes even better after chilling.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce.
- You can shape this into a log or wreath for a festive holiday presentation.
FAQ – Dried Beef Cheese Ball
Can I make a dried beef cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes! This dried beef cheese ball can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.
What can I serve with a dried beef cheese ball?
Crackers, pretzels, crostini, celery sticks, or bell pepper strips all work great.
Can I freeze a cheese ball?
Cream cheese–based cheese balls don’t freeze well, so I recommend keeping this one refrigerated instead.
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Dried Beef Cheese Ball
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup dried beef finely minced, divided
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped, divided
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese optional
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Finely mince the dried beef. Set aside ½ cup for rolling the outside.
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, remaining dried beef, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, 1-2 Tbsp of the parsley, cheddar (if using), and black pepper until smooth.
- Shape the mixture into a ball using plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour
- Roll the cheese ball in the reserved dried beef and parsley until fully coated.
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Notes
Notes
- Best served chilled
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days