Description
This cheddar ranch cheese ball is a creamy, flavorful appetizer made with sharp cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, and crispy bacon. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for parties, holidays, or casual gatherings, pairing well with crackers and veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional, for coating)
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning mix. Use a spatula or electric mixer to blend everything together until smooth and well combined.
- Add mix-ins: Stir in the cooked and crumbled bacon along with the chopped green onions. Make sure they are evenly distributed so each bite has a balance of flavors.
- Shape the cheese ball: Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on the counter and transfer the cheese mixture onto it. Use your hands to shape it into a round ball, then wrap it tightly in the plastic wrap to hold its form.
- Chill for best texture: Place the wrapped cheese ball in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least one hour. This helps it firm up and allows the flavors to meld together.
- Coat and serve: If using pecans, spread them out on a plate. Unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the chopped pecans, pressing gently so they adhere. Place it on a serving plate and serve with crackers, vegetables, or toasted bread slices.
Notes
- If you don’t have ranch seasoning, mix 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and dried dill as a homemade substitute.
- For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- If preparing for a large crowd, double the recipe and shape it into two smaller cheese balls.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of cheese ball
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg