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.
Does 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
How many people can this cheeseball feed n what would be the price of it
Hi Vanessa! The number of servings are in the upper left corner of the recipe card, this makes 8 servings. Unfortunately I don’t calculate a price for my recipes at this time, it can vary depending on where you live, brand selection, etc. -Stephanie
Love this recipe..easy to find ingredients.
I added diced black olives to recipe.
Made it night before high tea event.
Thank you.
So happy you liked the cheese ball! Yay!! Thank you for commenting and rating!
How big is a serving size I track my food just curious ty
Hi Joyce! The whole cheese ball is 8 servings, so the calories are based on that. But unfortunately I don’t have an exact measurement for a single serving. I hope this helps! -Stephanie
It absolutely helps ty
This is a fabulous cheeseball. The following day, I still had some of this cheeseball left so I used it as filling for stuffed jalapenos that I put on the grill and again, it was awesome. Now when I make stuffed jalapenos, this is the recipe I use for the filling.
Hey Donna! YAY! That is sooo great to hear! I LOVE finding alternative uses for recipes and your idea is perfect! Thank you for sharing! -Stephanie
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! 🙂
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!!
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!!
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 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!!!