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 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.
- 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
-
- 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
- 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!
How far ahead can you make this without it losing its freshness?
Hi Saundra! Up to three days ahead of time! Enjoy!!
That’s the time frame I need!
Thanks for the recipe !! It’s delicious !! And I agree with a plain cracker or serve with veggies 😀
YAY!!! I’m so glad that you liked this! I could probably have it every day… yikes! 🤨
I’m taking this to an ugly sweater Christmas gathering tomorrow.
About how big do you think the portion sized balls should be? And what kind of crackers go best with this?
Hi Elizabeth! A half of a Tablespoon scoop works well for the individual sizes, and I find that since the cheese ball is so flavorful, a plainer type of cracker works well. I love the Carr’s Entertainment Cracker Collection for this!
It sounds divine! The directions says to mix scallions..doesn’t mention chives. Is this a typo error?
Hi Shirley! You can actually use either one, (I actually like green onions/scallions)- but I updated the recipe to be consistent, thank you for catching that and I hope you have a chance to make this, it’s SO good! 🙂
I am SO excited to try this for Thanksgiving this year! I am in college and volunteered to bring an appetizer (rather an actual dish). I am sure this will be a hit with my family! I am glad I found this recipe!
Quick question: Do you use a hand mixer to mix the ingredients? Or do you just use a spatula and let the cream cheese come to room temperature so that it is more malleable? This is my first cheese ball!
Hi Erica!! Ohhhhh this is going to be a BIG hit, I am sure of it!! 🙂 I actually think either method would be fine, just make sure you refrigerate the mixture again before you try to shape it, that way it’ll hold the shape!! 🙂 Enjoy, and Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Nice touch with the bacon and ranch
I make this and roll in real bacon bits and also add some crushed pineapple to mix
It’s a huge hit
WHOA, the crushed pineapple in there sounds SOOO good, I’m definitely doing that next time- I agree, this cheese ball is a huge at parties!! THANKS for sharing that excellent tip!!! 🙂
Can this be frozen?
I haven’t frozen it myself, but you can freeze most types of cheese… However it does cause it to lose some of its flavor and texture. It’s definitely better to serve it fresh if you can! 🙂
I’m going to have to pass this idea on to my kids – they’re wild about ranch and I know they’ll love this!
Ohhh they will SOOO love this then, I am obsessed with it… kind of wish I never discovered it in some ways, ha! 🙂 I can only hope my guests dive into it too so that I don’t eat it all myself! 🙂 Thanks for visiting!