Description
This Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball is a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for parties or snacks. Made with cream cheese, ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar, green onions, and crispy bacon, then coated in chopped pecans or almonds for a crunchy exterior. It’s easy to prepare and pairs wonderfully with crackers or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese
- 1 (1-ounce) packet dry buttermilk ranch dressing mix
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup thinly sliced green onion
- 6 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled
Coating
- 1 cup pecans or almonds, finely chopped
Instructions
- Mix Cream Cheese and Ranch Seasoning: In a medium bowl, combine the 2 packages of cream cheese and 1 packet of dry buttermilk ranch dressing mix. Use an electric hand mixer to blend until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Add Additional Ingredients: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, thinly sliced green onions, and the cooked crumbled bacon. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Using clean hands or plastic wrap, form the mixture into a ball shape. Using saran wrap helps in shaping and handling the mixture easily.
- Coat with Nuts: Spread the finely chopped pecans or almonds on a plate. Roll the cheese ball over the nuts until the entire surface is coated evenly. You may choose to make one large ball or divide the mixture to create two smaller balls.
- Chill Before Serving: Place the coated cheese ball in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve. This allows flavors to meld and the cheese ball to firm up. Serve chilled with crackers or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- If short on time, substitute freshly cooked bacon with ½ cup of real bacon bits for convenience.
- Make sure to chill the cheese ball adequately before serving for best texture and flavor.
- The cheese ball can be made up to 1 day ahead and stored refrigerated.
