Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

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.

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Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Chill Time: 30 minutes

5 from 24 ratings

Servings: 10 people

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This cheese ball has a perfect blend of flavors including ranch, crispy bacon bits, 2 kinds of cheese, and chives. 

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

• ▢ 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.

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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

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Author: Stephanie