A cheese ball is the perfect appetizer for parties or a casual snack. This Bacon Cheddar Ranch Cheese Ball combines the rich, creamy flavors of cream cheese and sour cream with sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch dressing. It’s easy to make, and it’s always a hit at gatherings!
This cheese ball is best when served with crackers, vegetables, or even small pieces of bread for dipping. It can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix (dry)
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
Optional: Chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for rolling the cheese ball
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bacon:
If you haven’t already, cook the bacon until crispy. You can cook it in a skillet, bake it in the oven, or even microwave it. Once it’s crispy, crumble it into small pieces and set it aside to cool.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to blend them until smooth and creamy.
Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing mix, and chopped green onions. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky.
3. Form the Cheese Ball:
Once the mixture is well combined, transfer it to a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using the wrap, form the mixture into a ball shape. You can make the cheese ball as large or as small as you like, depending on your preferences and how many people you plan to serve.
4. Chill the Cheese Ball:
Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 2 hours before serving. Chilling helps the flavors meld together and makes the cheese ball easier to handle.
5. Optional Garnish:
After chilling, you can roll the cheese ball in additional crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, or even chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to add a bit of texture and extra flavor. If you prefer, you can serve it as-is.
6. Serve:
When ready to serve, place the cheese ball on a platter and surround it with crackers, vegetable sticks (such as celery, carrots, and cucumbers), or small pieces of bread for dipping.
Helpful Tips
Make it ahead of time: This cheese ball can be made a day or two in advance. Just cover it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator.
Variations: Add a little heat by incorporating a small amount of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also swap the green onions for finely diced red onions for a slightly different flavor.
Customize with other ingredients: Feel free to add other ingredients to suit your tastes, such as chopped jalapeños, diced bell peppers, or shredded mozzarella cheese.
Nuts: Rolling the cheese ball in chopped nuts adds a nice crunch and makes it even more flavorful. Pecans, walnuts, and almonds are all great options.
Serving Suggestions
This Bacon Cheddar Ranch Cheese Ball pairs well with a variety of dipping options:
Crackers: Any type of crackers, such as Ritz, Wheat Thins, or buttery crackers, will complement the rich flavors of the cheese ball.
Vegetable Sticks: Fresh veggie sticks like carrots, celery, and cucumber offer a crunchy, healthy contrast to the creamy cheese ball.
Bread: Serve with slices of baguette or small pieces of pita bread for a hearty bite.
Potato Chips: For something extra crunchy, potato chips make a fun pairing with the creamy cheese ball.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 360mg
(Note: The nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the size of the cheese ball and serving portion.)
Conclusion
This Bacon Cheddar Ranch Cheese Ball is the perfect party snack or appetizer that everyone will love. The combination of creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and the zesty ranch flavor creates a savory treat that pairs well with crackers, veggies, and more. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a delicious snack to enjoy, this cheese ball is a great choice.
Enjoy your Bacon Cheddar Ranch Cheese Ball and the rave reviews you’ll get from your guests!