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–+ servings
A bacon ranch cheese ball with crackers around it.
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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. 
Prep Time10 minutes
Chill Time30 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Servings: 10 people
Calories: 295kcal
Author: Stephanie

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
US Customary - Metric

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