Classic Beef & Pepper Cheese Ball

🧀 Classic Beef & Pepper Cheese Ball

Ingredients

• 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1½ cups finely chopped dried beef (or Buddig beef), patted dry

• ½ cup finely diced red bell pepper

• 3 green onions, finely sliced (plus extra for garnish)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar (optional but recommended)

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Instructions

1. Beat cream cheese
   In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.

2. Mix in flavor
   Add sour cream, garlic powder, Worcestershire, and pepper. Mix well.

3. Fold in add-ins
   Stir in chopped dried beef, red bell pepper, green onions, and cheddar (if using).

4. Shape
   Spoon mixture onto plastic wrap. Form into a ball using the wrap to help shape it.

5. Chill
   Refrigerate at least 2–3 hours (overnight is best) to firm up.

6. Garnish & serve
   Top with extra green onions and serve with buttery crackers.

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Make It Your Way

• Spicy version → Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce

• Ranch version → Mix in 1 packet ranch seasoning

• Bacon version → Replace dried beef with cooked, crumbled bacon

• Nut-coated classic → Roll chilled ball in chopped pecans

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If you’d like, I can also give you:

• A Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball

• A Ham & Swiss version

• Or a make-ahead holiday party menu built around this appetizer** 🎉