THE CHEESE BALL | YOUR NEW HOLIDAY HERO

WineCheeseScallops
Nov 25
5 min read

Some recipes are flashy, some are trendy, and some are downright legendary — and The Cheese Ball proudly lands in that last category. This retro, creamy, savory delight has stood the test of time for one big reason: people cannot stop eating it. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, a birthday, or a backyard get-together, this cheese ball shows up, steals the spotlight, and vanishes from the table in record time. It’s the kind of nostalgic classic that instantly makes a gathering feel warm, familiar, and deliciously festive.

Cheese ball covered in chopped corned beef on a clear glass plate. Green onions in the background, knife to the side.

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What makes this version unforgettable is its perfect balance of creaminess, savory dried beef, bright green onion, and that irresistible Worcestershire kick. It’s unbelievably simple to make, wildly satisfying, and a guaranteed conversation starter. If you’ve never experienced the joy of shaping a cheese ball with your own hands… prepare for your life to change in the best possible way.

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Dried Beef

Slices of salami are arranged in a food processor with a black handle labeled "KitchenAid." The background is a wooden surface.

Dried beef is a classic ingredient often used in vintage appetizers and dips, known for its distinct salty, savory punch. Its concentrated flavor means a little goes a long way, making it perfect for mixing into creamy bases like cheese or sour cream. When chopped finely — especially in a food processor — it distributes beautifully throughout the mixture, giving you tiny bursts of meaty flavor in every single bite. It also adds a bit of texture and serves as an eye-catching outer coating that makes your cheese ball look professionally finished.

Worcestershire Sauce

Jars of dried beef and Accent flavor enhancer on a kitchen counter with green onions and Philadelphia cream cheese boxes in the background.

Worcestershire is the quiet hero of many recipes, and here it elevates everything. Made from vinegar, molasses, anchovies, tamarind, and spices, it delivers sweetness, umami, acidity, and depth all in one splash. In this cheese ball, Worcestershire balances the cream cheese richness and complements the salt of the dried beef, giving the final bite an addictive complexity. It’s the ingredient people can’t always identify, but they know they love.

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The cheese ball is one of those delightful mid-century appetizers that rose to fame during the 1950s and 1960s, when home entertaining became a true art form. Hostesses wanted dishes that looked impressive, fed a crowd, and required minimal stress — and the cheese ball checked every single box. Its popularity skyrocketed because it could be prepared ahead, shaped beautifully, and served with inexpensive crackers or veggies.

Chopped green onions in a black measuring cup on a wooden cutting board. Bright green contrasts with the warm wood background.

This specific version leans into the nostalgic roots with dried beef, a classic pairing that was found on many holiday tables decades ago. Growing up, families would proudly place a cheese ball right at the center of the appetizer spread, and guests would gather around it like it was treasure. That tradition continues today because it simply works. It’s comforting, familiar, and absolutely delicious. Bringing this recipe back feels like reviving a cherished family memory — and now it can become part of your own traditions, too.

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Tips, Serving Suggestions, and Storage

Tofu pieces in a glass bowl topped with chopped green onions. The background has a wooden texture, creating a fresh, earthy vibe.

Softened cream cheese mixes significantly easier than cold, so let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
Using clean hands to combine everything is the fastest method to ensure a smooth, evenly mixed cheese ball.
If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the chopped green onions in cold water for five minutes and pat dry.
Mince the dried beef very finely to ensure an even coating and smooth texture throughout.
Shape the cheese mixture into a ball using plastic wrap to avoid sticky hands.
For a firmer cheese ball that slices cleanly, refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.
Serve with buttery crackers, pretzels, veggie sticks, or toasted baguette slices.
For a festive presentation, place the cheese ball on a wooden board with fresh herbs scattered around.
Store leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container for up to four days.
If making ahead, wait to apply the outer dried beef coating until shortly before serving to maintain texture.
You can shape this mixture into a log instead of a ball for easier slicing.

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Unique Recipe Qualities

Hand shaping a cream cheese ball with red topping in a glass bowl on a wooden surface. Creamy and textured appearance.

This cheese ball uses only a handful of ingredients but delivers huge flavor.
The dried beef coating gives it a signature savory punch and classic vintage charm.
It is extremely beginner friendly and nearly impossible to mess up.
It can be made entirely ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining.
The texture is creamy, smooth, and easy to spread.
Worcestershire adds depth that makes each bite more interesting.
The recipe feeds a crowd, making it ideal for parties and holidays.
It stands out visually on any appetizer table.
It can be customized with spices or additional mix-ins without losing its identity.
It travels well and makes a fantastic bring-along dish.
Its nostalgic, retro feel adds charm and conversation to gatherings.

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The Cheese Ball

Cheese ball covered in bacon bits on a glass stand, with green onions on a wooden surface and a green cloth in the background.

Ingredients:

3 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
½ cup green onion, finely chopped
1 family-size package dried beef
1 tablespoon Accent seasoning
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions:

Place the dried beef in a small food processor and mince until finely chopped.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, green onion, Accent seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and half of the minced dried beef.
Using clean hands, mix and squish the ingredients together until fully combined.
Shape the mixture into a ball.
Roll the cheese ball in the remaining dried beef to evenly coat the outside.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.

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