This Mom’s Homestyle Chipped Beef Cheese Ball is a classic retro appetizer—creamy, savory, and packed with comforting flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that showed up at holidays, card nights, and Sunday gatherings, served with crackers and plenty of smiles. Simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz (115 g) dried chipped beef, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp finely minced onion or green onion
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for coating)
Instructions
- Soften and prepare the base
Place the softened cream cheese and butter in a medium mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or sturdy spoon, beat until smooth, creamy, and fully blended. - Add seasonings and beef
Stir in the chopped chipped beef, minced onion, garlic powder, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well so the beef and seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture. - Chill slightly
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes, just until the mixture firms up enough to shape easily. - Shape the cheese ball
Remove the mixture from the refrigerator and shape it into a smooth ball using your hands or a spatula. - Coat (optional)
If using nuts, spread the chopped pecans or walnuts on a plate and gently roll the cheese ball until evenly coated, pressing lightly so they adhere. - Final chill and serve
Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
✨ Tip: Serve with buttery crackers, pretzels, or sliced vegetables. For extra flavor, let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving—it spreads beautifully.
