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!
Just one word….delicious!
I rolled the cheeseball in more cheese and crumbled bacon.
I’m so happy to hear that Sherry, thank you so much! 🙂
I’m a huge fan of your recipes! Can’t wait to try this one for Christmas, but don’t want to wait that long 😁. I was wondering if I make this, can I split it up and freeze some for later?
Hi Angelica! I’m so happy that you are enjoying the recipes! 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!!!
Recipe says 16 ounces cream cheese. Don’t you mean ONE 8-ounce block of cream cheese???
Nope, I mean 16 oz. (Or two 8 oz. blocks) 😊
OK so how much sour cream, garlic powder White cheddar/monterrey Jack cheese did you use in the new version you did not include that
Hi Pamela, the quantities of these ingredients are included in the recipe card. (3 tbsp. sour cream, 3/4 tsp garlic powder, 1.5 cups cheese total, I use a combination of cheeses.)
Made this for a church crafting group. Everyone loved it and wanted the recipe!
Wahooo! I’m so happy it was a hit Gail, thanks so much for the great review!💗
Just made this for Christmas Eve, tomorrow. I don’t think there will any left! My family loves this. Because I couldn’t find white cheddar in my area, I used The Laughing Cow soft white cheddar and it worked great!
Hi Joyce! I am so happy to hear that you love this recipe, it’s one of my all-time favorite appetizers for sure, I can’t ever seem to stop eating it! 😉 Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review! -Stephanie
8/8/21 Made this recipe for a couples cruise on the river last evening. Used 8 oz cream cheese, 8 oz Boursin garlic and herb cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, and omitted the sour cream (didn’t have any). The rest was as is. I made it early in the morning which gave it plenty of time for the flavors to commune. It was perfect with amazing flavors.
Hi Sandy! I am so happy that you were able to enjoy it using what you had on hand, it sounds great! Thank you so much for sharing! -Stephanie
Do you add both cream cheese and sour cream to recipe?
Yes. 😁
I just made this and have it chilling in the fridge right now. It was so easy. I may or may not have licked the leftovers off rubber spatula. Thanks for the great recipe.
hahahaha Lisa, I give you credit for only licking the spatula!! I usually take hunk off the ball completely and start dipping! 😂 So glad you like it!! Happy holidays!! -Stephanie
How much sour cream did you add to the updated version?
Hi Maria! 3 tablespoons of sour cream should do the trick!😉
Made it for Thanksgiving and the whole family loved it and wanted the recipe
SO happy to hear it Linda!!!! I made it for Thanksgiving too, it’s a huge favorite!! Thank you so much for taking the time to share that with me! -Stephanie ❤️