Do you need a killer appetizer or maybe a little snack for a few round robins during New Year festivities? My Dried Beef and Green Onion Cheese Ball is perfect for a quick appetizer, or maybe a few drop in guests.
My aunt always made a cheese ball similar to this during the holidays, and it was one of my favorite snacks when we visited during the holidays. Perfect to grab from the fridge, and super easy clean-up.
What is a Cheese Ball?
My husband never had a cheese ball before, and when I was describing it to him he was skeptical, but once he tried this cheese ball I think he ate half of it. I recently made another one for him to munch on while he watches t.v. at night.
Typically, a cheese ball is made with a cream cheese base. There are different mix-ins added to the cream cheese. The mixture is wrapped into a ball and sets in the fridge. It is spread on crackers or veggies.
My Dried Beef Cheese Ball is loaded is creamy cream cheese, salty dried beef, zesty ranch seasoning, Worcestershire sauce and a spice from sliced fresh green onions. That is it!
I have seen some recipes that use a different seasoning blend, but I find the flavors of the buttermilk ranch packet to be perfect for me (and clearly my husband). Once assembled, the cheese ball is wrapped and sets in the fridge. Once it is set, unwrap and serve! So nice and simple!
Ingredients
- plain cream cheese- I like to use full-fat cream cheese.
- Worcestershire sauce - this has a nice salty flavor and compliments the dried beef really nicely.
- buttermilk ranch seasoning packet
- dried beef - I prefer to use Budings dried beef. You can find this by the deli meat. You can also use the jarred dried beef as well.
- green onion - green onions are great because they are very mild compared to white, yellow, or red onions.
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, stir together cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and ranch seasoning till smooth.
- Next, stir in the beef and green onion. Gently stir till the mixture is evenly mixed.
- Cut a 12-inch piece of plastic wrap and then cut a second of the same size. Create a cross shape. Repeat this once more. This will allow you to easily wrap the cheese ball and get a round shape.
- Place the cheese mixture in the center of the plastic wrap. Wrap in the sides until the cheese is secure and round it gently with your hands. Place on a plate in the fridge to set for at least 2 hours before serving. Once opened the cheese ball will keep for about a week and a half if stored in an air tight container.
- To serve, unwrap and place on a plate. Serve the Dried Beef and Green Onion Cheese Ball with crackers and veggies.
If you’ve tried my Dried Beef and Green Onion Cheese Ball or any other recipe on Cheese Curd In Paradise please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. I love hearing from you! You can FOLLOW ME on:
Looking For More Cheese Ball Recipes?
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Dried Beef and Green Onion Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 16 oz plain cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- .4 oz buttermilk ranch seasoning packet
- 2 oz package dried beef, chopped
- 6 green onion, sliced
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, stir together cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and ranch seasoning till smooth.
- Next, stir in the beef and green onion. Gently stir till the mixture is evenly mixed.
- Cut a 12-inch piece of plastic wrap and then cut a second of the same size. Create a cross shape. Repeat this once more. This will allow you to easily wrap the cheese ball and get a round shape.
- Place the cheese mixture in the center of the plastic wrap. Wrap in the sides until the cheese is secure and round it gently with your hands. Place on a plate in the fridge to set for at least 2 hours before serving. Once opened the cheese ball will keep for about a week and a half if stored in an air tight container.
- To serve, unwrap and place on a plate. Serve with crackers and veggies.
Danielle Wolter
My mom used to make this hot beef dip using dried beef and I loved it so much. It started my love affair with dried beef 🙂 I def need to try this recipe!
Veena Azmanov
I must admit I have never eaten dried beef. Not sure why? I love beef and make it often. Eaten sausages too. This cheese ball sounds so delicious. The flavors are spot on.
Mahy Elamin
this sounds delicious and quick too! i love to make cheese balls for parties.. pinned to make for the superbowl. thanks for sharing, happy new year!
Marisa Franca
My Mother-in-law used to make this every holiday season!! We loved it!! In fact, we have a gathering coming up soon and this would be ideal. Also, wouldn't it be great to make for Super Bowl? I can't wait to make your recipe. Our kids have probably forgotten the delicious appetizer Grandma used to make.
Emmeline
This is such a great idea! I've never made a cheese ball or even had it but now that I'm seeing amazing versions like this one (esp. love the use of ranch seasoning - is there any better flavor really??) I really have to try!
Jeffrey A Knapp
Awesome awesome awesome always had this for the holidays..its a. Great addition to any meal
Ashley Lecker
They are sooooo good. I look forward to it each year.
Amy (Savory Moments)
My mom used to make a dip similar in flavor to this and I always liked it! I bet we would all enjoy this cheese ball.
Erin Vasicek
Mmm I am weak for cheese balls and this sounds delicious!
Diane
I've made this cheeseball several times and it's always a big hit! Can it be made in advance and frozen until ready to use? Thanks!
Ashley Lecker
I have frozen it before with success. The cream cheese and onions are change a bit when thawed, but the flavor is good.
Jane
I have not been able to find dried beef for Some time now.
I could always count on shop rite to have it but haven’t seen it there in a few years.
Ashley Lecker
A good alternative is the buddings dried beef- it is typically by the deli meat.
Adele McConnell
Even better, Ashley, because the dried beef in a jar is extremely salty, tough, and chewy. I always substitute the dried jarred beef with deli sliced roast beef or Carl Buddig's when a recipe calls for dried beef. .
Janet Story
You can get it in a jar at Walmart..
Kathie
I’m not sure how much ranch dressing to use???
Ashley Lecker
Use 1 seasoning packet. It is about .4 oz. for a single packet.
Lee
Can I use regular ranch season corn can’t find buttermilk? And I need to make this tonight
Ashley Lecker
Absolutely!
Janet Story
I love to make and take cheese balls to parties and celebrations! Never made this one until today but I have had it many times.