Creamed Chipped Beef Cheese Ball
A fun, savory twist on the classic cheese ball, inspired by the nostalgic flavors of Creamed Chipped Beef (aka “S.O.S.”). This easy appetizer is creamy, smoky, and packed with umami flavor. Perfect for parties, game day, or spreading on your morning bagel!
Prep Time: 15 mins | Chill Time: 2+ hours | Serves: 10-12 as an appetizer
Ingredients
For the Cheese Ball:
· 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened to room temperature
· 1 (2.25 oz) package dried beef (chipped beef), finely chopped reserve ¼ cup for rolling
· ¾ cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
· ¼ cup sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt
· 2 green onions, finely sliced (white and green parts)
· 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
· 1 tsp garlic powder
· 1 tsp onion powder
· ½ tsp smoked paprika
· ½ tsp black pepper (optional; the beef is salty)
· 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For Rolling/Coating:
· ¼ cup reserved chopped dried beef
· ¼ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
· 2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped
For Serving:
· Crackers (buttery rounds, Wheat Thins, or water crackers)
· Sliced baguette or pita chips
· Celery sticks or cucumber slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Dried Beef
· Open the package of dried beef and chop it into very small pieces. Set aside ¼ cup for the outer coating.
· Optional step for milder flavor: Rinse the chopped beef briefly in a colander under cold water and pat dry to reduce saltiness.
- Mix the Cheese Ball
· In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream with a hand mixer or wooden spoon until smooth and creamy.
· Add the cheddar cheese, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and parsley. Mix until well combined.
· Gently fold in all but the reserved ¼ cup of the chopped dried beef.
- Shape & Coat
· Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on the counter. Scoop the cheese mixture onto the center.
· Using the plastic wrap, shape the mixture into a ball (or a log, if preferred). Wrap tightly.
· Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to handle. Overnight is even better for flavors to meld.
- Add the Coating
· On a plate or shallow dish, mix the reserved ¼ cup chopped dried beef with the optional chopped nuts and parsley or chives.
· Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it gently in the coating mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Cover all sides.
· You can leave it as a ball, or reshape slightly if needed.
- Serve
· Place the coated cheese ball on a serving plate.
· Surround with crackers and veggies.
· Let stand at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for ideal spreadability.
Success Tips
· Soft Cream Cheese: Leave it out for 1-2 hours before mixing. This prevents lumps.
· Control Saltiness: Rinsing the dried beef helps, and remember—it’s already salty, so no added salt is needed.
· Make Ahead: The cheese ball can be made and coated up to 2 days in advance. Wrap tightly in plastic after coating and refrigerate.
· Customize Coating: Use all dried beef, all nuts, or add Everything Bagel seasoning for extra flavor.
Storage
· Refrigerator: Store leftovers tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to 5 days.
· Freezing: Freeze uncoated cheese ball (wrapped tightly) for up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator overnight, then coat before serving.
Delicious Variations
· “Everything Bagel” Version: Roll in Everything Bagel seasoning instead of beef/nuts.
· Bacon Swap: Replace dried beef with ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon (reserve some for coating).
· Smoked Almond Crunch: Roll in ½ cup finely chopped smoked almonds.
· Spicy Kick: Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
· Mini Cheese Balls: Shape into 1-inch balls for individual servings—great for parties!
This crowd-pleasing appetizer brings the comforting taste of creamed chipped beef into a fun, shareable format. Enjoy!