Ruthie'S Cheese Ball
A creamy, savory cheese ball packed with chipped beef, garlic, and pecans, perfect as an appetizer for gatherings or cheese lovers seeking bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese and combine it with chopped chipped beef, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Mix until well blended.
- Shape the mixture into a ball.
- Roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans until evenly coated.
- Serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, let the cream cheese soften to room temperature before mixing. If you can't find chipped beef, consider using finely chopped deli ham or smoked salmon as a substitute. Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs like chives or parsley. To add a bit of heat, mix in some crushed red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
This cheese ball pairs beautifully with crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, or even sliced baguette. For a festive touch, serve alongside drinks at a gathering or as an appetizer at a holiday party. Consider complementing it with a side of Spring Fever Dip to create a delightful snack platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese ball wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to freeze it, wrap it well and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ruthie'S Cheese Ball contains roughly 468 calories, with 7g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball a day or two ahead of time. Just roll it in the pecans right before serving to ensure they stay crunchy. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you're not a fan of pecans, walnuts or almonds work great as alternatives. You can also leave the nuts out entirely for a nut-free version, or serve it with a variety of toppings to suit different tastes.
Can I add other ingredients to this cheese ball?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding diced bell peppers, green onions, or even a bit of shredded cheese for extra flavor. Just be mindful of the moisture content to keep the cheese ball from becoming too soft.
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).