Chipped Beef Cheese Ball
Ah, the cheese ball. It’s a classic party dish that evokes nostalgia and a sense of casual comfort. For many, it brings back memories of family gatherings and potlucks. My version of the good ol' cheese ball features chipped beef, making it rich, savory, and downright irresistible.
Equipment
- Bowls
Ingredients
- 2 8-ounce blocks of cream cheese, softened to room temperature for a smooth mix.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded to infuse that cheesy goodness.
- 5 ounces cured beef chopped. Don't skimp here; the flavor comes from this.
- 5 scallions chopped. They add that refreshing crunch and punch.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce the secret ingredient for that umami kick.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for a touch of zing.
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic because who doesn’t love garlic?
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika which will add a whisper of smokiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt to elevate every other flavor.
Instructions
- Ready to get your hands dirty? Let’s go through the steps to create this cheesy wonder.
Step 1: Prep the Cream Cheese
- Start by taking your softened cream cheese and tossing it into a mixing bowl. Here, you want it to be easily spreadable. I find the best results come when you let it sit out for around 30 minutes.
Step 2: Mix the Cheeses
- Next, add that cup of sharp cheddar cheese. This is where you can get creative: want to add a touch of pepper jack? Go for it! Stir until well combined. The two cheeses should blend perfectly into a creamy mixture.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
- Now, toss in the chopped cured beef and half of the scallions. Add your Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, granulated garlic, smoked paprika, and salt. Use a spatula to fold everything together gently. You don’t want to overmix, but you do want a consistent blend.
Step 4: Shape the Cheese Ball
- Once everything is mixed, go ahead and transfer the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. With the wrap, shape the mixture into a ball. This can get a bit messy, but that's where the fun is!
Step 5: Chill
- Wrap the ball tightly in the plastic. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight is even better. Chilling allows flavors to meld together.
Step 6: The Grand Reveal
- When you’re ready to serve, unwrap the cheese ball and sprinkle the remaining chopped scallions on top. For a little crunch, you can roll the cheese ball in extra chopped beef or nuts, if that strikes your fancy.
Notes
Here are five essential tips to ensure your cheese ball is a hit:
Choose Quality Ingredients: The quality of cheese and beef significantly enhances your outcome. Opt for a good brand; it will pay off in flavor.
Room Temperature: Remember to soften your cheese! Cold cream cheese is a nightmare and can lead to clumping.
Personalize It: Don’t hesitate to tweak the ingredients to suit your taste. Add some crushed red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat!
Garnish Creatively: Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can bring a refreshing touch to the presentation.
Experiment with Dips: Consider serving it with different types of dips on the side. Maybe a spicy salsa or a sweet fig jam could create an interesting flavor profile.
Nutrition
Serving: 12gCalories: 100kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!