Get my Cookbooks! 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!
Be sure to try my French Onion Dip, Pizza Dip, and Sausage Rolls next!
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 or smaller cheese ball bites!
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
- Important! Be sure to get Ranch seasoning mix for this recipe, not Ranch dip mix, they do taste differently and have different uses.
- 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.
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!
-
- Jalapeno Popper Dip
-
- Pizza Dip
-
- Velveeta Queso
-
- Baked Potato Slices
-
- Sausage Rolls
-
- Loaded Nachos
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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
- Important! Be sure to get Ranch seasoning mix for this recipe, not Ranch dip mix, they do taste differently and have different uses.
- 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.
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!
I have served this cheese ball for, I believe, the past three Christmases. Every year someone says they don’t normally like cheese balls, but this is the best one they have ever tried! It is super easy to make and SO GOOD!! Has become a staple on our Christmas table! Thanks!
I am soooo happy to hear that Colleen! This is the only cheese ball I ever make too, it’s just WAY too good!! Thank you so much for the review, I really appreciate it! -Stephanie
Love this recipe! Making it for Christmas. Was a hit on Thanksgiving!
I’m so happy to hear that Shawn! Excellent! Thank you so much!!!
I save a few slices of bacon crumbs and roll the ball in them once I bring it out of the refrigerator. It adds just a little extra crunch!
I love that Barri, what a fantastic idea, thank you so much for sharing and for taking the time to leave a review! 🙂 -Stephanie
This is excellent! I made 3 smaller balls as I have company for several days. That way I have a “new” one each time.
So smart Sharon! Sounds like you’ll be busy the next couple of days, have fun!🩷
This looks so good! I can’t wait to try it for Christmas dinner!
Thanks Malinda! I can’t wait for you to try it. Such a fun one around the holidays!❤️
This was a hit with my granddaughter making it again for Christmas party
I’m happy to hear it was a hit! Perfect choice for a Christmas Party!🩷
Made this one of the Thanksgiving appetizers. Everyone loved it. My son said that I could sell it! Thanks!
I’m so happy that it was a hit Kris!! Thank you so much!!! ❤️❤️
This recipe is a favorite, I make it every year for Thanksgiving and New Years Eve. I like the texture with adding the sour cream, and you’re right, the garlic powder definitely adds something. Have a happy holiday season!
I’m so happy you’ve been enjoying the Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Gina! Thanksgiving and New Years are perfect occasions for it. Thanks so much for the great review!🩷
I prepared this today for together for Thanksgiving tomorrow. I cut the recipe in half because there will only be six of us. The recipe was very easy and I enjoyed making it. I rolled it into a log. I cook several extra pieces of bacon and cover the top with extra cheese and bacon. While I was scraping, the bottom of the bowl I saved a little so my boyfriend and I could taste it. This cheese ball recipe is absolutely delicious and I am so glad that I found this recipe and that I tried it. I can’t wait to share with my friends tomorrow because I know that they are going to enjoy it as much as Steve and I have in the little bit that we tasted.
Nice work Valerie! I’m so happy you like how it turned out. I can’t wait for you to serve it tomorrow, enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving! 🩷
I make this cheese ball every year for Thanksgiving. It is always a hit! I like the idea of adding a little sour cream.
Hi Jeanna!! I’m so happy that it’s become a tradition for you, I just LOVE this at Thanksgiving! 🙂 YES- The sour cream is great, I always add it now! Thank you so much for the review!!