Donna'S Cheese Ball
A savory cheese ball combining sharp cheddar, dried beef, and green onions, perfect for parties and gatherings, served with crackers for a flavorful appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop dried beef and green onions finely.
- Add cream cheese and half of the shredded cheddar cheese, mix well.
- Stir in Accent salt and garlic salt.
- Form the mixture into a ball and roll in the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
- Serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. If you don't have dried beef, chopped ham or smoked turkey can be great substitutes. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste; you can even add some Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor. Consider serving with a variety of crackers for added texture, and browse more beef recipes for inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese ball is perfect as an appetizer at parties or family gatherings. Serve it alongside an assortment of crackers, vegetable sticks, or toasted baguette slices. For a festive touch, garnish with additional green onions or herbs. It pairs beautifully with Swedish Meatballs With Rice or Grilled Beef With Peppers for a delicious spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To maintain its shape and flavor, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the container. If you want to serve it again, no need to reheat; simply let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Donna'S Cheese Ball contains roughly 646 calories, with 23g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (47% of the Daily Value), calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball a day in advance. After shaping it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it convenient for parties.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt can be used as substitutes. This will change the flavor slightly, but it still provides a creamy texture.
How can I add more flavor to the cheese ball?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding herbs like dill or chives. You can also incorporate spices such as paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick. Mixing in some chopped nuts can add a delightful crunch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).