This classic Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball recipe is made with crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and cheddar. Serve it as one big ball or smaller ball bites. This make-ahead appetizer is a great way to feed a crowd!
Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
There are few things I love more in this world than a gigantic Bacon Ranch Cheese ball. (I’m a classy and complex person.)
This is the ultimate appetizer idea for a crowd, people love it. See below on serving options, you can serve it as one big ball, smaller cheese ball bites, or even baked in the oven.
As of December 2021 I added 3 additional ingredients that are simple, but make a huge difference in taste and texture. (See below!)
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese- softened
- Ranch Seasoning Mix- I like to buy it in bulk
- Cheddar Cheese
- Bacon- Regular or Smoked
- Green Onions
NEW as of 12/21:
- Sour Cream– makes it creamier and much easier to dip!
- White Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese
- Garlic Powder
How to Make it
- Mix all ingredients until evenly combined
- Transfer to saran wrap and use it to help you mold it into a ball.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes in order to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve with crackers, vegetables, Pita chips, or crusty breads.
PRO Tips For This Recipe
- For best taste, shred the cheese from a block instead of using bagged shredded cheese.
- This cheese ball can be made up to 2 days ahead of time and store in the refrigerator.
- I like to fry the bacon the night before making this as it’s a lot quicker and gives it time to cool before mixing with the cheese.
- Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for 1 hour before you prepare, (if possible). This makes it easier to combine evenly with the other ingredients.
- Optional: Roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans for an added crunch.
- Some people roll these into bite-sized balls and serve them with toothpicks.
- Serve it warm: Check out my Warm Bacon Ranch Cheese Dip recipe.
- You can also try this Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball
Storage
- This Cheese Ball can be stored for up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator, assuming all ingredients are fresh, including the onions and bacon.
Try These Next!
-
- Velveeta Queso
-
- Baked Potato Slices
-
- Perfect Fried Pickles
-
- Corn Dip
-
- Whipped Garlic Feta Dip
-
- Spinach and Artichoke Dip
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Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
This cheese ball has a perfect blend of flavors including ranch, crispy bacon bits, 2 kinds of cheese, and chives.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 3 Tablespoons sour cream
- 1 oz. packet Ranch seasoning mix, (Equal to about 3 Tablespoons)
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, see notes*
- ¼ cup green onions, diced (can sub 1/3 cup diced chives)
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Use a silicone spatula or electric mixer to mix all ingredients until well combined. Transfer to saran wrap and use it to help you mold it into a ball.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes in order to allow the flavors to blend. Serve with crackers, vegetables, Pita chips, or crusty breads.
- As of 12/2020: Sour Cream, Garlic Powder, and White Cheddar/Monterey Jack cheese were added to the recipe for improved taste and texture. They are optional, but recommended. The recipe video does not include these ingredients.
Notes
*I like to use a combination of sharp yellow and white cheddar. Cracker Barrel is my brand of choice. For best results, shred it from a block instead of using bagged shredded cheese. Monterey Jack is a good option to add to the mix as well.
PRO Tips For This Recipe
- This cheese ball can be made up to 2 days ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
- I like to fry the bacon the night before making this as it's a lot quicker and gives it time to cool before mixing with the cheese.
- Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for 1 hour before you prepare, (if possible). This makes it easier to combine evenly with the other ingredients.
- Optional: Roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans for an added crunch.
- Some people roll these into bite-sized balls and serve them with toothpicks.
- Serve it warm: Check out my Warm Bacon Ranch Cheese Dip recipe.
- You can also try this Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball
Nutrition
Calories: 295kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 27g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Cholesterol: 78mg, Sodium: 554mg, Potassium: 117mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 826IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 172mg, Iron: 1mg
8/8/21 Made this recipe for a couples cruise on the river last evening. Used 8 oz cream cheese, 8 oz Boursin garlic and herb cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, and omitted the sour cream (didn’t have any). The rest was as is. I made it early in the morning which gave it plenty of time for the flavors to commune. It was perfect with amazing flavors.
Hi Sandy! I am so happy that you were able to enjoy it using what you had on hand, it sounds great! Thank you so much for sharing! -Stephanie
Do you add both cream cheese and sour cream to recipe?
Yes. 😁
I just made this and have it chilling in the fridge right now. It was so easy. I may or may not have licked the leftovers off rubber spatula. Thanks for the great recipe.
hahahaha Lisa, I give you credit for only licking the spatula!! I usually take hunk off the ball completely and start dipping! 😂 So glad you like it!! Happy holidays!! -Stephanie
How much sour cream did you add to the updated version?
Hi Maria! 3 tablespoons of sour cream should do the trick!😉
Made it for Thanksgiving and the whole family loved it and wanted the recipe
SO happy to hear it Linda!!!! I made it for Thanksgiving too, it’s a huge favorite!! Thank you so much for taking the time to share that with me! -Stephanie ❤️