Some recipes shine because of their elegance, while others become favorites because they’re wonderfully nostalgic, comforting, and crowd-pleasing. The Creamed Chipped Beef Cheese Ball fits squarely in the latter category—a retro-inspired appetizer that’s creamy, salty, savory, and perfect for any gathering.
Once popular at holiday parties in the 1970s and 80s, chipped beef cheese balls have made a huge comeback thanks to their bold flavor and effortless preparation. This recipe blends the familiar taste of creamed chipped beef with the richness of a cheese ball, creating a spread that’s irresistibly smooth with the perfect touch of texture.
When served with crackers, vegetables, or toasted baguette slices, this cheese ball becomes the star of the snack table—simple enough for a casual evening and special enough for holiday festivities.
What Makes the Creamed Chipped Beef Cheese Ball So Special?
1. A Flavor Profile Unlike Any Other
Chipped beef brings a salty, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese base. Add in green onions, seasonings, and Worcestershire sauce, and the result is a flavor-packed appetizer that keeps people coming back for more.
2. Incredibly Easy to Make
With just a handful of ingredients and no cooking required, this recipe takes 10 minutes to prepare—ideal for last-minute entertaining.
3. Perfect Texture
Creamy, spreadable, yet firm enough to shape, the cheese ball is rolled in extra chipped beef or herbs to give it a gorgeous presentation and satisfying bite.
4. A Nostalgic Classic
It brings an old-fashioned charm to any table, especially around Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and game-day gatherings.
How to Make a Creamed Chipped Beef Cheese Ball
This version is flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Cheese Ball
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 jar (5–6 oz) dried chipped beef, finely chopped
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: a splash of hot sauce or pinch of paprika
For Rolling/Coating
- Reserved chopped chipped beef
- Chopped parsley or chives (optional for color)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Base
- In a large mixing bowl, add softened cream cheese.
- Beat with a hand mixer or mix by hand until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add the Flavor Mix-Ins
- Stir in:
- Chopped chipped beef (reserve some for coating)
- Green onions
- Cheddar cheese
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic and onion powder
- Pepper
- Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
3. Shape the Cheese Ball
- Scoop the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap.
- Gather the wrap around the mixture and shape it into a ball (or a log shape if preferred).
- Refrigerate for 1–2 hours to allow the flavors to blend and the cheese ball to firm up.
4. Coat the Cheese Ball
- Spread the reserved chipped beef on a plate.
- Optionally add chopped parsley or chives for color.
- Roll the chilled cheese ball in the mixture until fully coated.
5. Serve
Place the cheese ball on a serving platter with:
- Crackers
- Pretzels
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Toasted baguette rounds
Serve chilled or slightly softened at room temperature for easy spreading.