(Serves 8–10)
For the Cheese Ball:
- 8 oz (225g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 (2.5 oz) jar dried chipped beef, chopped fine (like Hormel or Buddig)
- ¼ cup sour cream or mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp onion, finely minced (or 1 tsp onion powder)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: Dash of hot sauce or ½ tsp smoked paprika for depth
For the Coating:
- ½ cup chopped pecans, crispy bacon bits, or fresh parsley
- Optional: Flaky sea salt for finishing
💡 Pro Tips:
- Chop chipped beef finely—it’s already salty and chewy, so small pieces blend better.
- Soften cream cheese to room temp for smooth mixing.
- Chill 1 hour minimum—helps flavors meld and makes slicing clean.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Easy, Savory, Foolproof)
1. Mix the Base
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sour cream, Worcestershire, onion, parsley, pepper, and optional hot sauce. Mix well.
- Fold in chopped chipped beef until evenly distributed.
2. Form the Ball
- Scoop mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap.
- Shape into a 6-inch round ball or log.
- Wrap tightly and refrigerate at least 1 hour (overnight is best!).
3. Coat & Serve
- Roll chilled cheese ball in your chosen coating (pecans, bacon, or parsley).
- Place on a serving platter with crackers, rye bread, or cornichons.
- Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of flaky salt.
Serving Suggestions
- 🥖 Classic: Rye crackers or buttery round crackers (like Ritz)
- 🥬 Fresh: Endive leaves, cucumber rounds, or celery sticks
- 🍞 Hearty: Toasted baguette slices or pumpernickel squares
- 🧀 Cheese board upgrade: Include alongside pickled vegetables and sharp cheddar
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make 1–2 days ahead—flavors deepen beautifully!
- Store wrapped in fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze? Not recommended—dairy can separate and texture suffers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned corned beef instead?
A: Yes—but it’s milder and less salty. Adjust seasoning accordingly.
Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Check your chipped beef label—some brands contain wheat. Most are GF, but verify.
Q: My cheese ball is too soft—what do I do?
A: Chill longer (2+ hours) and use full-fat cream cheese (low-fat won’t firm up).
Q: Can I make it spicier?
A: Add ¼ tsp cayenne or a few dashes of Tabasco to the mix.
A Nod to Tradition, Served with Style
This Creamed Chipped Beef Cheese Ball isn’t just a party trick—it’s a love letter to humble, hearty food that fed generations. By giving it a modern, shareable twist, you honor its roots while making it perfect for today’s table.
So grab that jar of chipped beef, soften that cream cheese, and roll out a little piece of history. Because sometimes, the best appetizers aren’t fancy—they’re savory, satisfying, and made with soul.
Have you tried a savory cheese ball before? Do you roll yours in nuts, bacon, or keep it classic?
Share your twist in the comments! And if this recipe just saved your next gathering, pass it on to a fellow host who believes in the power of retro comfort, reimagined. 🥩🧀✨
