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!
Looks really yummy! Nice change from traditional cheese ball !
Thank you Kay!!! It really is the best, and just so easy to throw together, I always have everything I need on hand too! 🙂 I hope you have a chance to try it soon! (It’s also good heated in a casserole dish and served warm!)
Tried this for today’s get together. Went over big with everyone. Thanks
Hi Sharon, I am so happy to hear that it was a hit!! I love hearing that, thanks for making my day and taking the time to comment! 🙂
I make this cheese ball at least very week especially during football season love it.
Hi Sandra! I am so happy to hear that, and thank you so much for rating the recipe! I absolutely love this one too, it’s soooo easy, and I haven’t met a person who doesn’t absolutely love it! I also tried baking it once and it was amazing! 🙂 Enjoy Football season!!!!
This was amazing! I made it today and took to a July 4th party and it was a hit. This one is a keeper!
Hey Sarah! What a perfect 4th of July appetizer, nice and cool- and easy to make! I’m so glad that everyone enjoyed it. My husband and I make this for just the two of us sometimes, it’s just so good! 🙂 Thanks for sharing what you thought!
Stephanie, Have you ever baked this recipe? I love warm cheesy dips. Just checking before I tried it. 🙂
Hi Deborah! Oh my gosh I haven’t and that’s a genius idea!! I would just wait on the green onions or chives until after it’s baked. I’d love to hear how this tastes if you try it- I am going to have to make a whole new post for a warm version!! You’re a genius!!!
I made this for a Church Christmas Party. Rave reviews from 40 people! I’m going to make it today for New Year’s Eve party. I’ll serve with assorted crackers.
WOOOOOO!!!! That’s what I love to hear! I’m so happy. It really is delicious, and addicting! Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know how it came out! Have a great time at the NYE party later!
Hi 😊 I am looking to make this cheeseball. Do you just add the packet of ranch or do you follow the directions on the packet of ranch dressing?
Just add the packet of ranch! 😁
Easy, favorafull. I added more cheese but very good
Thank you Debra!!!! More cheese to anything is good in my book! Thank you for taking the time! 😁
You could use the pretzel sticks instead of toothpicks for the portioned out balls. I’ve done it before and it saves from wasting toothpicks. And it’s kinda like having it on a cracker too. Just a thought.
Hey Jen! I love that idea! I’m going to add that to the notes section of the recipe, thanks so much for sharing!
Love it, great recipe! Thanks for sharing. I added some Franks Hot Sauce and more Cheddar Cheese (Sharp Cheddar) and it turned out great.
Excellent! I love your variation suggestions too! Thank you Dagestan! Happy Holidays!!!