Where'S The Beef ? Cheese Ball
A creamy, savory cheese ball with dried beef and horseradish, perfect for parties and spreading on crackers or bread with a spicy paprika finish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together: cream cheese, dried beef, horseradish, and green onions.
- Shape the mixture into a large ball, then wrap and refrigerate.
- About half an hour before serving, unwrap the cheese ball and sprinkle with paprika.
- Serve the cheese ball at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, adjust the horseradish to your taste. If you don't have dried beef, substitute with finely chopped ham or turkey. To make the cheese ball easier to shape, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. Use fresh herbs like dill or parsley for added flavor and color.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cheese ball with an assortment of crackers, vegetables, or pretzels for dipping. It makes a great appetizer for parties and pairs beautifully with Beef And Spaghetti Casserole for a hearty meal. Consider adding a fruit platter or a selection of cheeses to create a more elaborate spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To maintain its shape, consider wrapping it in plastic wrap. There's no need to reheat this dish; serving it at room temperature enhances the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Where'S The Beef ? Cheese Ball contains roughly 554 calories, with 14g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 731mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
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 make sure to wrap it well and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier when served.
What can I use instead of dried beef?
If dried beef isn't available, you can use finely chopped cooked bacon or even crumbled sausage for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that any substitutes are well-drained to maintain the cheese ball's consistency.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To lighten the cheese ball, consider using low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt as a base. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of horseradish or substitute with a lighter dip to control the spice level.
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).