Bacon Ranch Cheddar Cheese Ball
This cheese ball has a perfect blend of flavors including ranch, crispy bacon bits, 2 kinds of cheese, and chives. A perfectly easy and delicious appetizer!
There are few things I love more in this world than a gigantic cheese ball. (I’m a classy and complex person.) But this isn’t just any ball o’ cheese. It’s got BACON. (I think I’ve made my point.)
….and aside from just bacon, this cheese ball is loaded with Ranch seasoning, 2 kinds of cheese, and ch-ch-chives. It’s sinfully delicious, good lord. If you need to think of an appetizer in a bind, this will save your life. You literally dump everything into a bowl, mix it, and yer done.
MY LATEST VIDEOSDoes this Cheese Ball need to chill?
- Cheese balls are best if refrigerated for a minimum of one hour in order to allow the flavors to blend.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. This cheese ball can be made up to two days ahead of time.
Can I serve this as a warm dip?
Yes! I’ve actually create a separate recipe post about making the warm version. And trust me, it’s amazing.
Want more? Check out all of my appetizer ideas.
What Other Variations Can I Try?
This Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball is so festive and great for the holidays!
What to serve with a Cheese Ball:
I love serving this with water crackers because they’re sturdy and aren’t overpowering, we’ve got enough flavors going on here. You can also serve them with pita chips or vegetables. What could look better than this cheese ball in the middle of a vegetable platter?!
Serving Options:
You can get as creative as you want with this recipe, some people like to roll it in some crushed pecans or sliced almonds. You could also use a small cookie scoop and roll 1/2 Tablespoon-sized balls and let people grab mini cheese balls with toothpicks.
Try These Next!
- Copycat Applebee’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip
- Sausage and Cheese Wontons
- Parmesan Crusted Tortellini Bites
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This cheese ball has a perfect blend of flavors including ranch, crispy bacon bits, 2 kinds of cheese, and chives.
- 16 oz. cream cheese
- 1 oz. packet Ranch seasoning mix (Equal to 2 Tablespoons)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup green onions, diced (can sub 1/3 cup diced chives)
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
Mix all ingredients together with a silicone spatula until well combined. Form into a ball shape, these disposable kitchen gloves are handy for this. Wrap it in saran wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour if possible to allow the flavors to blend together. Serve with crackers, pita chips, or vegetables.
This cheese ball can be made up to two days ahead of time.
Recipe Adapted from: PlainChicken.com
Love it, great recipe! Thanks for sharing. I added some Franks Hot Sauce and more Cheddar Cheese (Sharp Cheddar) and it turned out great.
Excellent! I love your variation suggestions too! Thank you Dagestan! Happy Holidays!!!
You could use the pretzel sticks instead of toothpicks for the portioned out balls. I’ve done it before and it saves from wasting toothpicks. And it’s kinda like having it on a cracker too. Just a thought.
Hey Jen! I love that idea! I’m going to add that to the notes section of the recipe, thanks so much for sharing!
Easy, favorafull. I added more cheese but very good
Thank you Debra!!!! More cheese to anything is good in my book! Thank you for taking the time! 😁
Hi 😊 I am looking to make this cheeseball. Do you just add the packet of ranch or do you follow the directions on the packet of ranch dressing?
Just add the packet of ranch! 😁
I made this for a Church Christmas Party. Rave reviews from 40 people! I’m going to make it today for New Year’s Eve party. I’ll serve with assorted crackers.
WOOOOOO!!!! That’s what I love to hear! I’m so happy. It really is delicious, and addicting! Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know how it came out! Have a great time at the NYE party later!
Stephanie, Have you ever baked this recipe? I love warm cheesy dips. Just checking before I tried it. 🙂
Hi Deborah! Oh my gosh I haven’t and that’s a genius idea!! I would just wait on the green onions or chives until after it’s baked. I’d love to hear how this tastes if you try it- I am going to have to make a whole new post for a warm version!! You’re a genius!!!
This was amazing! I made it today and took to a July 4th party and it was a hit. This one is a keeper!
Hey Sarah! What a perfect 4th of July appetizer, nice and cool- and easy to make! I’m so glad that everyone enjoyed it. My husband and I make this for just the two of us sometimes, it’s just so good! 🙂 Thanks for sharing what you thought!
I make this cheese ball at least very week especially during football season love it.
Hi Sandra! I am so happy to hear that, and thank you so much for rating the recipe! I absolutely love this one too, it’s soooo easy, and I haven’t met a person who doesn’t absolutely love it! I also tried baking it once and it was amazing! 🙂 Enjoy Football season!!!!
Tried this for today’s get together. Went over big with everyone. Thanks
Hi Sharon, I am so happy to hear that it was a hit!! I love hearing that, thanks for making my day and taking the time to comment! 🙂
Looks really yummy! Nice change from traditional cheese ball !
Thank you Kay!!! It really is the best, and just so easy to throw together, I always have everything I need on hand too! 🙂 I hope you have a chance to try it soon! (It’s also good heated in a casserole dish and served warm!)
I make the Ranch Dressing Cheese Ball every year!
I do tweak it a little bit. I use 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. It makes 2 balls or one gigantic ball!!
This is a family holiday favorite!
I’m so happy that you enjoy this ever year! And hey, I won’t ever argue with more cheese… ever! 🙂 Enjoy your Thanksgiving!!!
This Cheeseball is amazing, what man doesn’t like bacon….I am woman and loved it!!!
Thank you for sharing!!!
P.S. I cooked about 4 more slices of bacon and used more chives to roll the cheeseball in. Wow!
I night ranch dip packet instead of dressing packet. Oops! Will it work? I’m taking it to thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. Thanks!
Hey Kathy! Fear not, it’s totally fine, it’s the same thing! If you were going to use that mix to make a dressing vs. a dip, then there’d be a difference in that process but the actual mix itself is the same! 🙂 Enjoy, and Happy Thanksgiving!!
I was looking for something to snack on for a holiday quick snack..! Thank you!! This will help loads..👍🍴👍
This is absolutely perfect for holiday snacking, you are so welcome! Enjoy!!
can cheese balls be sent in the mail?
Hi Becky! You definitely could, but the box would have to be sufficiently chilled and protected, they make insulated boxes meant for sending food. I’ve never done it myself but I know it can be done! 🙂