Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball | The Recipe Critic

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This bacon ranch cheese ball will be your favorite go-to appetizer! The winning combination of bacon, ranch seasoning, and cheddar cheese really stands out in this tasty cheese ball. Serve with crackers and watch everyone devour it!

Close view of bacon ranch cheese ball with a crackers dipping.

Reasons You’ll Love This Cheese Ball!

Crowd-Pleasing: Your guests will go crazy over this bacon ranch cheese ball! My boys ask me to make it for every game day and it’s always the first appetizer to be devoured.
Easy Appetizer: Cheese balls are the easiest appetizers to make! It takes just a few simple steps, it comes together in 15 minutes. Try my Jalapeno Popper Dip or this Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip if you need more tasty appetizers!
Make Ahead: Everyone loves a make-ahead option for parties. This cheese ball is the perfect appetizer to make in advance. Store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it!

Ingredients For Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

Gather these simple ingredients to make the tastiest cheese ball at the party! Everyone will love the combination of bacon, ranch, and cheddar. Follow the recipe card below for exact measurements!

Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is best!
Dry Ranch Dressing Mix: Seasons the cheese ball perfectly.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese pairs well with the bacon and ranch flavors.
Green Onions: Fresh chopped green onions add flavor and a pop of color.
Bacon: The best part of the cheese ball! It adds a salty and smokey flavor.
Pecans: Rolling the cheese ball in crunchy pecans adds flavor and texture.

Ingredients labeled to make bacon ranch cheese ball.

Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Recipe

Cheese balls are incredibly easy to make! It comes together quickly and is the perfect last-minute appetizer idea. It’s so addicting and you can never stop at just one bite!

Mix: In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese and dry ranch seasoning using an electric hand mixer.
Add: Add the shredded cheese, green onion, and crumbled bacon.
Combine: Mix to combine the ingredients together until incorporated.
Shape: Shape the mixture into a ball. I like to use saran wrap for an easy cleaner option!
Roll in Nuts and Serve: Place pecans on a plate then roll the cheese ball over the nuts to coat the outside. You can make one big ball or two smaller ones! Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve. Enjoy with crackers or vegetables!

First photo of the cream cheese and ranch seasoning mixed in a bowl.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips for success when making this cheese ball recipe! These tips will help you master the art of making the perfect cheese ball. I also have some ideas or switching it up to make it just how you like it!

Forming Into a Ball: It’s easiest to transfer the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Pull the corners of the plastic wrap together to easily form a ball then finish shaping it with your hands.
Pecan Tips: You can roll the cheese ball in nuts ahead of time. If you want them to remain firm and crunchy, I recommend waiting to roll the ball in the pecans right before serving. Just place the nuts on a plate and press all sides (except the bottom) of the cheese ball in the nuts.
Serving Tips: I like to serve the cheese ball in the middle of a platter and then place a variety of crackers around the ball. It makes it look so pretty when you serve it. I also like to add some green onions on the outside for a pop of color!
Add-Ins: Try adding olives! It’s surprisingly delicious. And if you really love nuts, add a handful to the cream cheese mixture as well.
Gift Giving: Looking for a hostess gift or a neighbor gift idea for the holidays? I decided to divide the cheese balls into smaller balls and give them to my neighbors with some crackers. It was a huge hit!

Top close view of bacon ranch cheese ball on a plate with crackers.

Storing Leftovers

Cheese balls are great for making ahead! The flavors meld together and taste even better the next day. They’re easy to store and stay tasting delicious for days.

In the Refrigerator: Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving so the cream cheese can soften.
Make Ahead: Make and form the cheese ball then let it refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days! Before serving, roll the cheese ball mixture in the chopped pecans.

Close view of a cracker with cheeseball spreading on top.

More Cheese Ball Flavors to Enjoy!

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In a medium bowl, mix the 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese and 1 (1-ounce) packet dry buttermilk ranch dressing mix using an electric hand mixer.
Add the ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, ¼ cup thinly sliced green onion, and the cooked and crumbled 6 pieces bacon,.
Mix to combine the ingredients together until incorporated.
Shape the mixture into a ball. I like to use saran wrap to make it easy!
Place 1 cup pecans or almonds, on a plate then roll the cheese ball over the nuts to coat the outside. You can make one big ball or two smaller ones!
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve. Enjoy with crackers or vegetables!

If you are short on time, buy the real bacon bits and add 1/2 cup.
Updated on December 18, 2024
Originally Posted on December 03, 2012

Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 10gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 663mgPotassium: 221mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 877IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 146mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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