Are you looking for a quick and easy appetizer that's guaranteed to impress your guests? Look no further than this old-fashioned Armour dried beef cheese ball recipe! This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for parties, potlucks, or a cozy night in. It's a delicious blend of savory dried beef, creamy cheese, and tangy spices, all rolled into one irresistible ball. Get ready to experience a taste of nostalgia with this classic recipe that's both healthy and surprisingly quick to make.
Ingredients:
- 1 (8 ounce) package Armour Star dried beef, finely chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Crackers, vegetables, or breadsticks for serving
Instructions:
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Prep the Dried Beef: Finely chop the Armour Star dried beef. This ensures it's evenly distributed throughout the cheese ball and prevents large, chewy pieces. You can use kitchen shears or a sharp knife for this.
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
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Add the Dried Beef: Gently fold in the finely chopped dried beef. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cheese ball too soft.
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Optional Nuts: If using, stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts. These add a delightful crunch and a nice textural contrast to the creamy cheese ball.
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Shape the Cheese Ball: Transfer the mixture to a piece of plastic wrap. Shape it into a ball, using the plastic wrap to help you form a smooth, round shape. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap to seal the cheese ball and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese ball to firm up.
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Serve: Once chilled, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Roll it in your favorite topping (optional – chopped pecans, paprika, or finely chopped chives work well). Serve with crackers, vegetables, or breadsticks.
Tips for the Best Cheese Ball:
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened before mixing. This will ensure a smoother, creamier cheese ball. You can soften it quickly by microwaving it in short bursts, or leaving it out at room temperature for a while.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can result in a tough cheese ball. Gently fold in the ingredients until just combined.
- Chill Thoroughly: Chilling the cheese ball is crucial for its texture and flavor development. Allow it to chill for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Experiment with different toppings to customize your cheese ball. Chopped nuts, herbs, spices, or even different types of cheese can create unique flavor profiles.
Variations:
- Spicy Cheese Ball: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb Cheese Ball: Add 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill for a fresh, herbaceous twist.
- Bacon Cheese Ball: Substitute some of the dried beef with finely chopped cooked bacon for a richer, smokier flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on serving size and the specific ingredients used. For a more accurate calculation, use an online nutritional calculator and input your exact ingredients and serving size. However, you can expect this recipe to be relatively high in fat and sodium due to the cheese and dried beef. It's best enjoyed as an occasional treat.
This Old Fashioned Armour Dried Beef Cheese Ball is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. Its unique flavor profile and ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for busy home cooks. Enjoy!