Beef and Cheddar Cheeseball

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American, Southern

Keyword beef-and-cheddar-cheeseball, dried-beef-cheese-ball

Prep Time 15

Chill Time 4

Total Time 4 15

Servings servings (may vary)

Calories 205kcal

Author Melissa Sperka

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Toast the pecan pieces for 6-8 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden brown. Set aside to cool.
In a medium mixing bowl use a hand mixer to cream together, the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder and salt on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Chop the dried beef. Add to the cream cheese mixture then whip on medium speed just until blended.
Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and green onions by hand using a large spoon or rubber spatula.
Shape the cream cheese mixture into a ball. Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm.
Sprinkle chopped pecans on a large piece of plastic wrap. Roll in the toasted chopped pecans covering the outside of the cheese ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill until serving.
slice and serve with assorted crackers, veggies or pita chips.
Cook's Note: When using the freshest dairy ingredients, this cheese ball can be made 3-5 days in advance, and stored tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Store chilled for up to 7 days total.

Start with Soft Cream Cheese - The biggest mistake you can make when making a dried beef cheese ball is not to allow ample time for the cream cheese to soften adequately. It's vitally important to let the cream cheese fully soften so it will blend evenly with the seasonings, beef and other ingredients.
Cream Cheese Substitution - You can swap out full fat cream cheese for Neufchatel cheese, if preferred.
Nuts - This cheese ball is coated with chopped toasted pecans. You could use almonds or walnuts, if preferred.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese - This cheeseball recipe is one of those kitchen moments that really shines when you grate your own cheddar cheese. It only takes a few minutes, and the flavor is so much better.
Salt - You can use seasoned salt or plain table salt.
Allow Soften for Serving - When planning to serve this cheeseball, I like the flavor best when it's had time to sit out for a few minutes to soften. Leave it on the counter to soften for around 20-30 minutes prior to serving.
Fresh Herbs - You could roll this cheeseball in fresh parsley or chives in place of nuts.
Serving Option - This cheeseball is tasty served with the bread rounds, Ritz crackers, wheat thins, pita chips, triscuits or assorted crackers of your choice.