Cheese Ball
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The cheese ball is a staple at holidays and parties. This classic recipe is made with rich cream cheese, green onion, spices, and corned beef!
Our classic cheese ball appetizer is about to become your favorite easy party recipe! Made with just 5 simple ingredients, it whips up in less than ten minutes and will be the first thing gone. And if you love cheesy apps, try our cranberry walnut cheese ball next!
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Cheese Ball Recipe
Cheese Ball
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Cheeseball Ingredients
- Cream cheese – Softened to room temperature.
- Corned beef – Finely chopped. You can use packaged corn beef from the deli or leftovers from our corned beef and cabbage recipe. Chipped beef will also work.
- Green onion – Fresh and finely chopped.
- Worcestershire sauce – Soy sauce can be substituted in a pinch.
- Lemon juice – Fresh, to taste.
- Garnish – Reserve a pinch of chopped meat and green onion to sprinkle on top before serving.
How do you make a cheese ball appetizer? (step-by-step)
⭐ First, set aside a pinch or two of chopped beef and diced green onion for garnish.
⭐ Then, add remaining ingredients to a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until well combined.
⭐ Next, turn out onto a sheet of plastic wrap and form into a ball.
⭐ Finally, wrap tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve. Garnish with remaining beef and onion.
Preparation
Can you make a cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes! This will keep nicely in the refrigerator for 3 – 4 days. Garnish right before serving!
What can I use instead of corned beef?
This recipe also works well with chipped beef, salami or pepperoni.
Leftovers and storage
How long will a leftover cheese ball last?
If it sat out at room temperature for more than two hours then leftovers should be disposed of. Otherwise, they will keep in the refrigerator for another 2 – 3 days (but no more than 5 total if you prepared it ahead).
Can you freeze a cheeseball appetizer?
Yes! After forming it into a ball and wrapping, just pop it in the freezer. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight and then serve.
Tips, tricks, and frequently asked questions
🔥 Make it spicy with a dash of chipotle powder.
🥩 Try it with different meats like chipped beef, salami, or pepperoni.
🧊 Prepare several days or weeks in advance to cut down on party day work.
🥯 Serve leftovers on a toasted bagel for a yummy breakfast treat.
What to eat with a cheese ball appetizer (serving suggestions)
We love to serve this with our homemade cracker recipe (it’s only 2 ingredients!), raw veggies, pretzels, or toasted baguette slices.
More yummy appetizer ideas
- Buffalo wings
- Jalapeno spinach dip
- Air fryer mozzarella sticks
- BBQ chicken taquitos
- Grape jelly meatballs
- Pizza dip
- See all our easy appetizer recipes!
Other delicious recipes with cream cheese
- Chicken bacon ranch casserole
- Buffalo chicken dip
- Cream cheese dip
- Jalapeno popper crescent rolls
- See all our recipes using cream cheese!
Tools we love
- End grain cutting board – This is my absolute favorite cutting board and the one that I get the most compliments on.
- Santoku knife – My favorite knife! This knife is the perfect size and shape, handles great, and is super reasonably priced.
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How to Make a Classic Cheese Ball
Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- 8 ounces packaged corned beef finely chopped
- 4 green onions finely diced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- fresh lemon juice to taste (I like a generous squeeze)
Instructions
- First, set aside a pinch or two of chopped beef and diced green onion for garnish.
- Then, add remaining ingredients to a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until well combined.
- Turn out cheese mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap and form into a ball.
- Finally, wrap tightly and refrigerate at least two hours, or until ready to serve. Garnish with remaining beef and onion.
Notes
Nutrition
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Cheese Ball
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