The Cozy Cookbook is here! 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.
- 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!
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- Pizza Dip
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- French Onion Dip
-
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
-
- Velveeta Queso
-
- Garlic Feta Dip
-
- Baked Potato Slices
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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 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. Remove saran wrap and transfer to a serving platter. 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.
- 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
Did you try this recipe?Mention @TheCozyCook on Instagram or tag #thecozycook!
1.5 cups total cheese? Including a mixture of cheddar and white cheddar? Thank you!
Hi Patty! Yes, 1.5 cups total cheese, using any combination that you prefer! 🙂 I am actually making this for Labor Day weekend myself! I hope you enjoy it!
Love this. I used real precooked bacon pieces and it was super quick and easy. Less mess with the making of actual bacon as well.
Nice work Joy, I’m so happy you liked it! Thanks so much for the great comments and review!💖
The best cheese ball I’ve ever had! Absolutely delicious!
I am soo happy to hear that Darlene!! Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know how it came out, we just love this recipe too! 🙂
Can I freeze this cheese ball?
Hi Mary!- I haven’t frozen this before, but the online resources that I’ve checked out all say that something like this can be frozen. This resource indicates the following: “Cheese balls freeze quite well. Again, it’s best to Wrap the cheese ball in one layer of plastic wrap, then one layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to four weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.” ENJOY!!!
How many mini cheese balls would this make?
That would depend on the size of each of them, I don’t have a set size/number as I generally make this is a whole ball.
Ok, Ty. I’m feeding 55 people, the start of a 5 course dinner, was thinking like a tiny meatball size, with a pretzel stick and a crostini
Sounds like a great idea! You’ll want to make several batches, but I’m not sure how many. A good way to determine how many you’ll want to make is to make one, roll out the balls, count them, and then you’ll know how many more you’ll need 🙂
Just made this cheese ball for New Years Eve!!
Great, I hope you love it! Happy New Year!
I am making this for my parents Christmas. More than likely I have missed the amounts. Could you please add the amounts of garlic powder & mixed cheeses?
I did notice it had 3 T sour cream.
Thank you & Merry Christmas,
Cindy Yokem
Hi Cindy! All amounts are in the recipe card section towards the bottom of the post, I’ll cut and paste: “3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1.5 cups cheddar cheese”💗
It sounds great! I will be having a big Birthday party on the 8th of December and will be making it for that! I am sure it will all be gone. I plan on making a couple more of yours. Thanks.
I can’t wait for you to try it Pat, have a great party!💗
Tastes great! Leaving in the fridge for two nights before serving. Had to use the “Zesty Alfredo” Hidden Valley packet because the original was sold out. It worked out great though! I think I’ll double the recipe next time for a bigger ball!:) thanks cozy cook~
I’m so happy you enjoyed the cheese ball and were able to make it ahead of time Selena! I usually make this for Christmas parties. Thanks so much for the great comments!❤️