Corned Beef Cheese Ball

A twist on the classic cheese ball, this Corned Beef Cheese Ball has a creamy, salty, nutty flavor that is sure to please all your guests!

With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, today we are bringing you on a journey where savory meets creamy in the form of an irresistible Corned Beef Cheese Ball. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a flavorful snack, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. In this post, we’ll dive into the art of creating the perfect cheese ball, understanding its ingredients, and mastering each step to achieve culinary excellence.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• A great appetizer for St. Patrick’s Day or any gathering
• Delicious, rich, salty and crunchy
• Make ahead of time to save time
• A spin on the classic cheese ball

Understanding the Ingredients in the Corned Beef Cheese Ball

• Finely chopped corned beef: with its rich, salty flavor, serves as the star ingredient of this cheese ball. It adds depth and complexity to every bite.
• Cream cheese: the base of your cheese ball adds a nice creamy, tangy texture.
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: adds a nice sharp, robust taste.
• Shredded Swiss cheese: provides a nice buttery, nutty flavor.
• Green onions: add a fresh, sweet, pungent taste.
• Garlic powder and fresh ground pepper: helps to further elevate the flavor profile.
• Chopped pecans and parsley: provided the finishing touch and adds a nutty, crunchy, bright flavor.

Corned Beef Cheese Ball-Ingredients

• 4 oz corned beef (finely chopped)
• 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp fresh ground pepper
• 2 green onions (finely chopped)
• 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup Swiss cheese (shredded) 
• 1/3 cup pecans (finely chopped)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• crackers, pretzels, cracker sticks

Corned Beef Cheese Ball-Instructions

• Finely chop corned beef, green onions, pecans and parsley. Place in bowls and set aside.
• In a mixing bowl, add cream cheese, garlic powder and fresh ground pepper. Use a hand mixer or spoon and mix until combined. 
• Add the corned beef, sharp cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese and green onions and mix until combined. 
• Use a spoon to gather up the ingredients and use your hands to shape mixture into a ball. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. 
• Mix together the pecans and fresh parsley, unwrap the cheese ball and roll into the nut mixture coating completely. 
• Serve with crackers, pretzels, cracker sticks, etc.
• Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Cheese Ball

• Soften the cream cheese: make sure that your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth consistency.
• Finely chop the ingredients: to ensure even distribution throughout the cheese ball.
• Chill the cheese ball: for a neat and precise finish roll the cheese ball in plastic and chill for 20 minutes to allow it to firm up.
• Make ahead of time: prepare the cheese ball in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Optional Additions and Variations

For those looking to customize their cheese ball, the possibilities are endless. Consider adding bacon bits for a salty, crunchy flavor, or chopped jalapeños, habaneros or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Experiment with different coatings, such as crushed crackers, pretzels or chopped herbs, to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

To serve, unwrap the chilled cheese ball and place it on a serving platter. Surround it with an array of accompaniments, such as crisp crackers, sliced baguette, pretzels or colorful vegetable sticks. The cheese ball can be enjoyed immediately or stored in the refrigerator for later indulgence.

Storing and Freezing

To store, cover the Corned Beef Cheese Ball with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, cover with plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Place in the refrigerator overnight to thaw before serving.

Mix one up for St. Patrick’s Day!

This Corned Beef Cheese Ball is a culinary masterpiece that never fails to impress. With its savory flavor and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a favorite at any gathering. By following these detailed instructions and experimenting with your own variations, you’ll soon be creating cheese balls that are as irresistible as they are delicious. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary journey that’s sure to delight your taste buds! Enjoy and remember…

Life’s too short to eat bad food!

For other corned beef appetizers try:

Reuben Dip

Corned Beef Reuben Egg Rolls

Rye Bread Beef Dip