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Creamed Chipped Beef Cheese Ball


 Looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that never goes out of style? This Creamed Chipped Beef Cheese Ball is a timeless favorite that's perfect for holiday gatherings, game days, potlucks, and family celebrations. Rich cream cheese, savory chipped dried beef, fresh green onions, and classic seasonings come together to create an irresistible cheese ball that's always the first appetizer to disappear.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it actually tastes even better after spending a few hours in the refrigerator, making it an ideal make-ahead appetizer for stress-free entertaining.

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Why You'll Love This Creamed Chipped Beef Cheese Ball

This classic appetizer has stood the test of time for good reason.

  • Ready in just 10 minutes
  • No cooking required
  • Perfect make-ahead recipe
  • Rich, creamy, and savory
  • Budget-friendly ingredients
  • Great for holidays and parties
  • Easy to customize
  • Feeds a crowd

Whether you're hosting Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year's Eve, or a weekend football party, this cheese ball fits every occasion.

What Does It Taste Like?

Every bite is loaded with creamy, tangy cream cheese balanced by the rich, salty flavor of chipped dried beef.

The green onions add freshness and a slight crunch, while Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder deepen the savory flavor.

Served with buttery crackers, it's the perfect combination of creamy, salty, and satisfying.

Benefits of This Recipe

  • No baking required
  • Beginner-friendly
  • Great for entertaining
  • Can be made 24 hours ahead
  • Easy to transport
  • Stores well
  • Freezer-friendly
  • Customizable with your favorite coatings

Ingredients

You'll find the exact measurements in the recipe card below.

Cheese Ball

  • 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (8-ounce) package chipped dried beef, finely chopped
  • 3 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt, to taste (optional)

Optional Coatings

  • Chopped toasted pecans
  • Chopped walnuts
  • Extra chopped dried beef
  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Green onions

Kitchen Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or sturdy spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Plastic wrap
  • Rubber spatula
  • Serving platter

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

This recipe is easy to personalize.

Replace the Chipped Beef

Try using:

  • Cooked bacon
  • Finely diced ham
  • Smoked turkey
  • Chopped roast beef

Add Extra Flavor

Mix in:

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Ranch seasoning
  • Crumbled blue cheese
  • Fresh dill
  • Chopped jalapeños
  • Hot sauce

Roll the Outside In

Coat your finished cheese ball with:

  • Toasted pecans
  • Walnuts
  • Bacon bits
  • Fresh herbs
  • Everything bagel seasoning
  • Extra chopped chipped beef

How to Make Creamed Chipped Beef Cheese Ball

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature.

Finely chop the chipped dried beef and green onions.

Smaller pieces make the cheese ball easier to spread onto crackers.

Step 2: Beat the Cream Cheese

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

Add:

  • chopped dried beef
  • green onions
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder

Mix until evenly combined.

Taste before adding any salt since chipped beef is naturally salty.

Step 4: Shape the Cheese Ball

Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap.

Gather the edges and gently shape into a smooth ball.

Twist the wrap tightly to help hold its shape.

Step 5: Chill

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, although overnight develops the best flavor.

Step 6: Coat and Serve

Remove the plastic wrap.

Roll the cheese ball in your favorite coating if desired.

Transfer to a serving platter and surround with crackers and fresh vegetables.

What to Serve with Creamed Chipped Beef Cheese Ball

This appetizer pairs wonderfully with:

  • Ritz crackers
  • Wheat Thins
  • Club crackers
  • Water crackers
  • Toasted baguette slices
  • Bagel chips
  • Pretzel crisps
  • Celery sticks
  • Carrot sticks
  • Bell pepper strips
  • Cucumber slices

It's also delicious spread on toasted bagels or sandwiches.

Tips for the Best Cheese Ball

  • Use fully softened cream cheese.
  • Chop the dried beef very finely.
  • Chill overnight whenever possible.
  • Taste before adding salt.
  • Toast nuts before rolling for extra flavor.
  • Serve slightly chilled—not ice cold—for the creamiest texture.
  • Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for easier spreading.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store tightly wrapped or in an airtight container for 5–7 days.

Freezer

Freeze the uncoated cheese ball for up to 1 month.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

General Information

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Chill Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Servings: 12–16
  • Difficulty: Easy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is chipped dried beef?

Chipped dried beef is thinly sliced, cured, and salted beef commonly found near canned meats or in the deli section. It adds rich, savory flavor to dips and appetizers.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it's even better after chilling overnight because the flavors have more time to blend.

Can I make this into a warm dip?

Absolutely.

Spread the mixture into a small baking dish, top with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Why is my cheese ball too soft?

The cream cheese may have become too warm. Simply refrigerate it longer until it firms up.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes.

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil and freeze for up to one month.

More Easy Party Appetizers You'll Love

If you enjoyed this recipe, try these favorites:

  • Slow Cooker Sausage Dip
  • Country Ham Salad
  • Classic Seafood Salad
  • Deviled Eggs
  • Jalapeño Popper Dip
  • Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

Conclusion

This Creamed Chipped Beef Cheese Ball is everything you want in a classic party appetizer—quick, creamy, savory, and incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients and almost no prep time, it's the perfect make-ahead recipe for holidays, family gatherings, game days, or casual get-togethers.

Serve it with an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetables, and toasted bread for an appetizer everyone will remember.

If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out! Leave a review below, share your favorite additions or coatings, and don't forget to post your photos on Pinterest to inspire other home cooks.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

  • Calories: 175
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 1g