Best Corned Beef Cheese Ball Recipe

Here is my go-to corned beef cheese ball recipe that combines cream cheese, shredded corned beef, and a blend of seasonings into a party-ready appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering.

This cheese ball has become my potluck signature dish – I bring it to every St. Patrick’s Day party and game day get-together. I always make an extra one to keep at home because it disappears so quickly. Nothing beats having a ready-to-serve appetizer in the fridge, right?

What Kind of Cream Cheese Should I Use?

Regular full-fat block cream cheese is your best bet for this cheese ball recipe. While you might be tempted to use low-fat cream cheese to cut calories, it won’t give you the same firm texture that makes a cheese ball hold its shape. The key is to let your cream cheese soften at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes before starting – this makes it much easier to mix with other ingredients. If you’re in a hurry, avoid microwaving the cream cheese to soften it, as this can make it too runny and affect the final texture of your cheese ball. Just remember to stick with plain cream cheese rather than flavored varieties, since you’ll be adding your own seasonings to create that perfect savory taste.

Options for Substitutions

This cheese ball recipe is pretty adaptable – here are some easy swaps you can try:

• Cream cheese: This is the base of the recipe, so stick with regular cream cheese for the best texture. If needed, Neufchâtel cheese (lower fat cream cheese) can work, but the ball might be a bit softer.
• Sharp cheddar: Feel free to swap this with other firm cheeses like Colby, Gouda, or even pepper jack if you want a kick. Just make sure to shred it yourself for the best melting and mixing.
• Corned beef: No corned beef? Try using pastrami, dried beef, or even crumbled bacon. Each will give its own tasty twist to the recipe.
• Pecans: The nuts can be switched out for walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of seeds like sunflower and pumpkin. For a nut-free version, try coating with fresh herbs or extra green onions.
• Green onions: You can replace these with finely chopped chives or the green parts of leeks. If you’re out of fresh options, 1 tablespoon of dried chives works too.
• Garlic salt: Use 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder plus 3/4 teaspoon regular salt as a substitute, or onion salt works well too.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making a cheese ball is working with cream cheese that’s not properly softened – cold cream cheese will leave you with lumps and make mixing nearly impossible, so let it sit at room temperature for at least an hour before starting.

Many home cooks rush the chilling process, but giving your cheese ball at least 2 hours in the refrigerator (or ideally overnight) allows the flavors to blend and makes it much easier to shape into that perfect round form.

To prevent your outer coating from falling off while serving, press the chopped pecans firmly but gently into the cheese ball’s surface, and always remove it from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before serving – this makes it easier to spread while keeping its shape.

For the best texture, avoid over-mixing your ingredients which can make the mixture too soft, and make sure to finely dice your corned beef and green onions so they distribute evenly throughout the cheese ball.

What to Serve With a Corned Beef Cheese Ball?

This savory cheese ball is perfect for setting out at parties with a variety of dippers and snacks alongside it. While wheat crackers are the classic choice, try offering an assortment like butter crackers, pretzel crisps, or even bagel chips for different textures and flavors. For a fresh contrast to the rich cheese ball, put out some crisp vegetables like celery sticks, cucumber rounds, and baby carrots. I also like to include some pickles or cornichons on the platter – their tangy bite pairs really well with the creamy, salty cheese mixture and adds an extra punch to each bite.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: Your corned beef cheese ball will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. I recommend waiting to roll it in the chopped pecans until just before serving – this keeps the nuts nice and crunchy!

Make Ahead: This is a great make-ahead appetizer! You can prepare the cheese ball up to 2 days before your event. Just keep it wrapped in the fridge and add the pecan coating when you’re ready to serve. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to make it easier to spread.

Freeze: If you want to plan way ahead, you can freeze the cheese ball without the nut coating for up to 1 month. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to use it, thaw overnight in the fridge, then roll in pecans before serving.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0 minutes
Total Time	10-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1800-2000
• Protein: 55-65 g
• Fat: 150-160 g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 g

Ingredients

• wheat crackers (for serving)
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 16 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
• 3 green onions (finely chopped, both white and green parts)
• 3 oz corned beef deli meat (diced into 1/4-inch pieces)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (I like Cabot’s brand)

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, combine cream cheese and garlic salt.

Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to mix until the ingredients are well incorporated and smooth.

Step 2: Add and Mix Remaining Ingredients

Add shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and chopped corned beef to the cream cheese mixture.

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully combined and evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 3: Form the Cheese Ball

Transfer the cheese mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap.

Cover it with the plastic wrap and use your hands to gently shape the mixture into a ball.

Ensure it’s compact and holds its shape as you press.

Step 4: Coat with Pecans

Place chopped pecans onto a shallow plate or bowl.

Unwrap the cheese ball and carefully roll it in the chopped pecans.

Make sure the cheese ball is completely coated with pecans for an even, crunchy exterior.

Step 5: Serve and Store

Arrange crackers around the coated cheese ball on a serving plate.

Serve immediately or store the cheese ball covered in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.

The cheeseball is great as a centerpiece of any appetizer table.

Enjoy!