Bacon Cheddar Ranch Cheese Ball
This Bacon Cheddar Ranch Cheese Ball is a creamy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for parties, game nights, and holiday gatherings. Loaded with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and zesty ranch seasoning, it’s a delicious dip for crackers, veggies, and bread. Easy to make ahead, this cheese ball is a must-have for entertaining!
Ingredients
For the Cheese Ball:
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6 slices)
¼ cup green onions or chives, finely chopped
For the Coating:
½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (additional)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup chopped parsley or green onions
For Serving:
Crackers (Ritz, Club, Triscuits)
Sliced baguette
Fresh vegetables (carrots, celery, bell peppers)
Instructions
1. Mix the Cheese Ball Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well until fully combined.
2. Add the Bacon & Green Onions:
Stir in the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions. Mix evenly.
3. Form the Cheese Ball:
Using your hands or a spatula, shape the mixture into a ball. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to firm up.
4. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow dish, mix together the additional crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and chopped parsley or green onions.
5. Coat the Cheese Ball:
Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the bacon-cheddar mixture, pressing gently to coat all sides evenly.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
Place on a serving plate and serve with crackers, bread, or veggies. Enjoy!
Cook Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information
(Per serving, based on 12 servings)
Calories: 250
Protein: 8g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugars: 1g
Sodium: 400mg
(Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.)
Notes & Tips
Make Ahead: This cheese ball can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Add the coating just before serving for the best texture.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Variations:
Add chopped pecans or almonds to the coating for extra crunch.Mix in diced jalapenos for a spicy kick.Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a different flavor.
Serving Idea: Make mini cheese balls instead of one large ball for individual servings.
This Bacon Cheddar Ranch Cheese Ball is a perfect appetizer that’s easy to make and always a hit at gatherings.
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