Meat And Cheese Ball Combinations: Perfect Pairings

Meat and cheese are a classic combination, and cheese balls are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course. While there are many types of cheese balls, this paragraph will focus specifically on the type of meat that is commonly used in their preparation.

The most popular type of meat used in cheese balls is dried beef, also known as chipped beef. This meat is typically made from a leaner cut of beef, such as beef round, and is smoked, dried, and thinly sliced before being jarred or canned. Dried beef has a strong, salty flavor that pairs well with the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and green onions commonly found in cheese balls. When forming the cheese ball, the dried beef is usually mixed into the cheese mixture, and the ball can be rolled in additional dried beef for extra flavor.

Dried beef

When making a dried beef cheese ball, it is important to let the cream cheese soften first for easy mixing. You will also want to chop the dried beef into small pieces and mix it into the cheese, reserving some to roll the finished ball in.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) of cream cheese, softened
• 5 ounces (142 grams) of dried beef, chopped
• 2-3 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
• Salt to taste (optional)

Method:

• In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped dried beef, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.
• Form the mixture into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Chill the cheese ball in the refrigerator for at least an hour or until firm.
• Unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the reserved chopped dried beef and/or chopped green onions.
• Serve with crackers, bread, veggies, or your favourite dippers!

Feel free to get creative and add other ingredients you think would pair well with the dried beef and cheese. Some people like to add shredded cheddar cheese, black pepper, or even bacon bits to their cheese balls. You can also roll the finished cheese ball in ground nuts, bacon bits, or chopped pecans for a fancy finish.

Cream cheese

When making a cheese ball, it is important to use softened cream cheese to ensure a creamy and well-incorporated mixture. If the cream cheese is cold or has not been left to soften, it may result in a clumpy texture. To achieve the best results, it is recommended to plan ahead and allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before beginning the recipe.

The softened cream cheese is typically combined with other ingredients such as dried beef, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and seasonings. It is essential to taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

Once all the ingredients are mixed, the cream cheese mixture is formed into a ball and chilled for at least an hour or until firm. The cream cheese base helps to bind the ingredients together, creating a cohesive cheese ball that can be easily sliced or spread onto crackers, bread, or vegetables.

Cheddar cheese

When making a cheddar cheese ball, it's important to use high-quality, freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded cheese will work in a pinch, but the flavour and texture won't be quite the same. In addition to the cheddar, cream cheese is often used as a binder, with its soft texture making it easy to mix and form into a ball.

To add some extra flavour and texture to your cheddar cheese ball, try incorporating chopped green onions, dried parsley, garlic powder, dried oregano, ground black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. You can also roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans, almonds, or other nuts for added crunch.

If you're looking for a unique twist on the traditional cheddar cheese ball, try adding in some diced corned beef or dried beef. This will give the cheese ball a salty, meaty flavour that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Here's a basic recipe for a cheddar cheese ball that you can customise to your liking:

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (2 blocks) of cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups of freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese (or 1 cup if you want a more subtle cheddar flavour)
• 2-3 green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon of hot sauce (optional)
• Dried parsley, garlic powder, dried oregano, and ground black pepper to taste
• 2/3 cup of pecans or other nuts, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions:

• Place the cream cheese in a mixing bowl and mix until smooth.
• Add the cheddar cheese, green onion, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (if using), and any desired seasonings, then mix well to combine.
• Use a rubber spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl and gather the mixture into a lump.
• Lightly grease your hands and form the mixture into a round ball.
• If using nuts, place them on a plate and roll the cheese ball in the nuts, pressing them gently into the surface of the ball to coat all sides.
• Cover the cheese ball in cling wrap and refrigerate for about 1 hour to allow it to firm up.
• Remove from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before serving to let it soften slightly.
• Serve with crackers, pretzels, vegetables, or anything else you'd like to dip into the cheese!

Green onions

When making a cheese ball, you will want to wash the green onions well and slice them into small pieces so they are the perfect size. You can also roll the cheese ball in green onions, along with other ingredients like chopped pecans, to coat the outside.

For a green onion cheese ball, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 8 oz. packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon beau monde or bon appetite seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
• 4 green onions, chopped fine
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds

Mix the cream cheese, seasonings, and green onions together, then form the mixture into a ball. Roll the ball in the almonds, then refrigerate until firm and serve with crackers.

Seasoning

Worcestershire Sauce:

This is a key ingredient in many cheese ball recipes. It adds a savoury, tangy flavour that enhances the other ingredients. It is especially good with cream cheese and beef. You can add a tablespoon or two of Worcestershire sauce to your cheese ball mixture, adjusting the amount to your taste preference.

Onion:

Onion can add a sharp, savoury flavour to your cheese ball. You can use fresh green onions, also known as scallions, and chop them finely before mixing them into the cheese ball. You can use both the green and white parts of the onion, but be sure to slice the white parts thinly as they have a stronger flavour. Alternatively, you can use onion powder or onion salt to add a more subtle onion flavour to your cheese ball.

Garlic:

Garlic is a popular seasoning in cheese balls, and you can use fresh garlic cloves, garlic powder, or granulated garlic. Garlic powder is a convenient option that adds a nice savoury note to the cheese ball. You can start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preference.

Salt and Pepper:

Salt and pepper are basic seasonings that can enhance the flavours of your cheese ball. It is important to taste your mixture before adding salt, as many of the ingredients (such as dried beef and cheddar cheese) are already quite salty. You can also use seasoned salt, which adds a unique flavour profile. Black pepper can add a subtle kick to your cheese ball, so start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.

Italian Seasoning:

If you want to experiment with different flavours, you can try using Italian seasoning in your cheese ball. This blend typically includes herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary, along with spices like marjoram, sage, and red pepper flakes. It can add a nice herbal note to your cheese ball.

Spiciness:

If you like your food with a kick, you can add some spice to your cheese ball. Fresh or pickled jalapenos are a great option, providing a nice spicy flavour. You can also use other types of chillies or spicy peppers, depending on your preference.

Remember, it is important to taste your cheese ball mixture as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You can also get creative and experiment with other seasonings and flavour combinations to make your cheese ball unique.

Frequently asked questions