Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

This hidden valley Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball is a combination of cream cheese, bacon, shredded cheese, and spices, that is then rolled into a ball and coated with bacon and pecan pieces.

A Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball is a simple appetizer that can be made in as little as 15 minutes, and only calls for a few simple ingredients. It’s perfect for finger food parties, cocktail parties, and holiday events. Cheese Balls are also very popular at football parties and tailgating parties.

Cheese Balls are quick, easy, and inexpensive appetizers. They can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. They are best served with crackers such as ritz or club crackers, or can also be served with veggie sticks, such as carrots or celery.

If you’re looking for more appetizers for game day, check out these Super Bowl Appetizers.

Equpment:

• Handheld Mixer
• Large Mixing Bowl
• measuring spoons

Ingredients Need for Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball:

Cream Cheese-The base of the cheese ball is made with cream cheese, so make sure you use a good brand such as Philadelphia, although any brand will work, I have found that store brand cream cheese can often have a different texture and doesn’t form as well.

Bacon– You will need to divide a pack of bacon in half. Half the bacon will get mixed into the cheese ball, while the other half will be used for the outside coating of the cheese ball.

Cheese-They type of cheese you use is up to you. I like using sharp cheddar, but you can use a mild cheddar. Want your cheese ball to have a bit of heat? Use pepperjack cheese.

Ranch Seasoning- A packet of hidden valley dry ranch seasoning is needed. This gives the cheese ball the ranch flavor.

Garlic powder and Onion powder -Adds Flavor to a cheese ball

Green Onion- Adds color, freshness, and flavor to a cheese ball.

Chopped Pecans(optional) – (If you would like your Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball without nuts you can roll the cheese ball in bacon pieces only) Once the cheese ball has been shaped, you will roll it around in chopped pecans and the remaining crumbled bacon for an outside coating. You can also use chopped pecans, walnuts, or another type of nuts of your choice.

Salt and Pepper

How to make Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball:

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.

Add in half the bacon, cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.

Using your hands, shape the mixture into a ball.

Place remaining bacon and pecans on a plate, rolls cheese ball around until it is covered with bacon and pecans. (If not using pecans, roll cheese ball around in bacon pieces only.)

Wrap cheese ball in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before serving.

Serve cheese ball with crackers or veggie sticks.

Storage:

Making ahead: A cheeseball can be made up to three days in advance and refrigerated until ready to serve.

Storing Leftovers: A cheeseball will keep well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks when fresh ingredients are used. Make sure Cheeseball is wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.

Nutrition Facts

Need a healthy appetizer for your next party? Cheese Balls are low in carbohydrates making them great for Keto and other low carb diets, when served with vegetables.

Serves 16

More Cream Cheese Appetizers you may like:

Classic Cheese Ball-Cream cheese, shredded cheese and spices mixed together, rolled up into a ball and then coated in pecans. This Classic Cheese Ball is the perfect appetizer for any occasion.

Five Cheese Dip (Domino’s Copycat)–a combination of Cheddar, Asiago, Parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese, oven baked to perfection.

Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers-are perfect for parties, tailgates, or other gatherings. 

Cream Cheese Fruit Dip Recipe-smooth and Creamy. With just three ingredients you can make your own Fruit Dip for any occasion.

Pimento Cheese Dip–Creamy, cheesy and tangy. This pimento cheese is a southern classic, that is great as a dip or spread, for lunches, cocktail parties, or tailgating parties.

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Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

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This Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball is a combination of cream cheese, bacon, cheese, spices, that is then rolled into a ball and coated with bacon and pecan pieces.

• Author: Erica Ott
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• chill time: 1 hours
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 (13 oz) package bacon, cooked and crumbled

2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened

1 and ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded

1 oz package ranch seasoning

¾ teaspoon garlic powder

¾ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add in half the bacon, cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
3. Using your hands, shape the mixture into a ball.
4. Place remaining bacon and pecans on a plate, rolls cheese ball around until it is covered with bacon and pecans. (If not using pecans, roll cheese ball around in bacon pieces only.)
5. Wrap cheese ball in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before serving.
6. Serve cheese ball with crackers or veggie sticks.

Keywords: Cheese ball, bacon cheese ball, bacon ranch cheese ball, low carb appetizer

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