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Home / Cheese Ball Recipe With Cream Cheese and Bacon

Cheese Ball Recipe With Cream Cheese and Bacon

Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

Written By: Stephanie December 18, 2020   (Updated October 1, 2021)  81 *This post may contain affiliate links. Read more »

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!

A bacon ranch cheese ball on surrounded by crackers.

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, smaller cheese ball bites, or even baked in the oven.

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.
  • Servewith crackers, vegetables, Pita chips, or crusty breads.

Making a bacon ranch cheddar cheese ball.

PRO Tips For This Recipe

  • 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 timeand 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.
  • Serve it warm:Check out my Warm Bacon Ranch Cheese Dip recipe.
  • 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.

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A bacon ranch cheese ball with crackers around it.

This cheese ball has a perfect blend of flavors including ranch, crispy bacon bits, 2 kinds of cheese, and chives.

  • 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

  • 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. Servewith 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.

*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

  • This cheese ball can be made up to 2 days ahead of timeand 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.
  • Serve it warm:Check out my Warm Bacon Ranch Cheese Dip recipe.
  • You can also try this Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball

Calories: 295 kcal , Carbohydrates: 4 g , Protein: 9 g , Fat: 27 g , Saturated Fat: 14 g , Cholesterol: 78 mg , Sodium: 554 mg , Potassium: 117 mg , Fiber: 1 g , Sugar: 2 g , Vitamin A: 826 IU , Vitamin C: 1 mg , Calcium: 172 mg , Iron: 1 mg

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

This cheese-ball as a perfect blend of flavors including ranch, crispy bacon bits, 2 kinds of cheese, and chives. A perfectly easy and delicious appetizer! | The Cozy Cook | #cheese #fingerfood #appetizer #bacon #cheddar #cheeseball

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Cheese Ball Recipe With Cream Cheese and Bacon

Source: https://thecozycook.com/bacon-ranch-cheddar-cheeseball/