The bold and beautiful cheese ball. You’ve likely seen them at parties, game nights, or some type of social function, but they might feel, and taste, a tad typical. There is a way, though, to liven up this party favor with a bold, beefy flavor: with the addition of dried beef. The thinly sliced, canned meat is sometimes called chipped beef, and isn’t just good for your morning biscuits and gravy. You’ll usually find it on the shelves of grocery stores near other essential cured meats. It’s been around for a while, and adds some tang to the mix.
Adding dried beef to a cheese ball elevates it by bringing a meaty, umami taste that blends with the cheese’s creaminess. How to make it is pretty straightforward. You’ll want to chop the dried beef so it mixes evenly in the cheese. Since dried beef is typically a bit salty, some people give it a quick rinse under cold water to get rid of some of the saltiness. Once it’s cut up and rinsed, it’s ready to be mixed in.
Best cheeses and seasonings to use in dried beef cheese balls
The base of any good cheese ball is, of course, the cheese. Cream cheese is the structure that holds it all together, making a smooth spread to use on crackers or veggies. Once you have your cream cheese, you can get a little more creative and try adding a variety of specialty cheeses (which you should buy at a speciality cheese shop, by the way). Try adding sharp cheddar for a tangy note to create another layer with the dried beef. Smoked Gouda will draw out more of the smokiness that is already tasted with the addition of the beef, where pepper jack can add a touch of heat to the cheese ball. If you’re a fan of briny or tanginess, throw in some crumbled feta cheese. Maybe you enjoy the creaminess in a cheese ball. You can add Muenster cheese for a slightly buttery flavor to contrast with the salty meat.
Another way to personalize your cheese ball for your social gathering is through the seasonings you use. Garlic powder (not garlic salt) is something you should try, as it adds that pure garlic flavor. Similarly, onion powder would be a great addition to add a pungent, yet slightly sweet layer. Sauces like soy or Worcestershire would bring a little umami flavor to the mix, or the popular Thai condiment sriracha with toasted sesame seeds would add a delicious Asian fusion to the cheese ball. A good addition with your pepper jack recipe would be a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes. To stick with a theme of heat, a small sprinkle of paprika can really bring out the smokiness of the dried beef and cheeses used. Honey or agave can have your guests wondering what the mystery sweet flavor is in the cheese ball.
