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The Best Dried Beef Cheese Ball with Pecan Crust

dried beef cheese ball with pecan crust - featured image
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This creamy, savory cheese ball is packed with dried beef, green onions, and Worcestershire sauce, then coated in crunchy pecans. It’s the ultimate make-ahead party appetizer that comes together in just 20 minutes and always disappears first.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 package (2.5 ounces) dried beef, finely chopped
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Take cream cheese out of the refrigerator at least 1 hour before starting. It should be soft enough to easily press your finger into it.
  2. Prepare ingredients: Finely chop dried beef into small pea-sized pieces. Thinly slice green onions. If toasting pecans, heat a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes, add pecans and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Let cool completely before chopping.
  3. Mix the cheese ball base: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down sides of bowl halfway through.
  4. Add mix-ins: Fold in chopped dried beef and sliced green onions using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Shape the cheese ball: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on the counter. Scoop cheese mixture onto center of plastic wrap. Gather edges of wrap and twist together, shaping mixture into a smooth round ball. Twist wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
  6. Prepare pecan coating: Just before serving, spread finely chopped pecans on a plate or shallow dish. If using parsley, mix it in with pecans.
  7. Roll the cheese ball: Remove chilled cheese ball from refrigerator and unwrap. Gently roll in chopped pecans, pressing lightly so nuts stick to all sides. Use hands to pat any bare spots.
  8. Let it rest: Place coated cheese ball on serving platter and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
  9. Serve and enjoy: Surround with crackers, fresh vegetables, or apple slices.

Notes

For best results, let cream cheese come to room temperature. Chop dried beef very finely to avoid chewy pockets. Toasting pecans enhances flavor. Cheese ball can be made up to 3 days ahead; roll in pecans just before serving. Can be frozen uncoated for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: dried beef cheese ball, pecan crust cheese ball, party appetizer, holiday appetizer, make-ahead appetizer, cream cheese ball

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/the-best-dried-beef-cheese-ball-with-pecan-crust/