ranch and bacon cheese ball recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
ranch and bacon cheese ball recipe
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The Best ranch and bacon cheese ball recipe

I’ve been making ranch and bacon cheese balls for years, and they’re always a hit with my family. The recipe is so easy to make and requires only a few ingredients.

I love how the tangy flavor of the ranch dressing pairs with the smoky bacon and the creaminess of the cheese. My kids adore these cheese balls, and they’re perfect for snacking or as a side dish for parties.

I’ve even served them at family gatherings and potlucks, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser. One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can adjust the level of heat to your liking by adding more or less hot sauce, and you can also customize it to suit your dietary needs by using different types of cheese or dairy alternatives.

I’ve experimented with various combinations, but the classic version remains my favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a show-stopping appetizer, these ranch and bacon cheese balls are sure to impress.

The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, and I’m confident you’ll love them just as much as we do.

Ranch and Bacon Cheese Ball

Ranch and Bacon Cheese Ball

4.7 from 569 votes

A creamy, savory cheese ball loaded with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and zesty ranch seasoning. Perfect for parties and gatherings, this easy appetizer is served with crackers or fresh vegetables.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cheese Ball

16 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder

For the Coating

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

👨‍🍳Directions

1Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes until crispy and browned.
2Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble it into small pieces once cool.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, ranch seasoning mix, crumbled bacon, chives, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5Scrape the mixture onto a large sheet of plastic wrap and shape it into a ball, wrapping tightly.
6Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm enough to hold its shape when rolled.
7On a plate, mix the chopped pecans and parsley.
8Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the nut mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres evenly on all sides.
9Place the coated cheese ball on a serving platter and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften slightly before serving.
10Serve with crackers, pretzels, or fresh vegetable sticks.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Baking sheet
Skillet or oven
Plastic wrap
Serving platter

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 14g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 580mg🌾Total Carbs: 6g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 12g

📝Notes

For a milder flavor, use half the ranch seasoning. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant to enhance their crunch.

Watch Video Of How Ranch and Bacon Cheese Ball Works

These ranch and bacon cheese balls are truly one of my go-to recipes for any occasion – whether it’s a family dinner or a party with friends.

The combination of flavors is simply irresistible, and they’re incredibly easy to make ahead of time.

My family loves when I make these as part of our weekly meal prep because they keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to 5 days.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ranch and Bacon Cheese Ball

Q: What type of cheese is best for this recipe?

The type of cheese you use will greatly impact the flavor of your cheese balls. I prefer to use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella for their sharpness and creaminess, respectively. However, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like parmesan or provolone if you prefer a different taste.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked bacon in this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use pre-cooked bacon if you prefer. Just be aware that it might affect the texture slightly – cooked from scratch bacon tends to be crisper.

Q: How long can I store these cheese balls in an airtight container?

You can store these cheese balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to 5 days.

Q: Can I reheat these cheese balls if they get cold?

Naturally! You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until they’re warm and melted again.

Q: Do I need to thaw frozen cheese balls before baking?

Nope! You can bake them straight from the freezer – just add a few extra minutes to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

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