Easy Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
Need an easy cheese ball recipe? This is it! Loaded with ranch flavor, cheese, green onions, bacon and nuts, it’s the perfect party appetizer that’s always a real crowd pleaser!
We all need easy appetizer recipes that we can have on the ready for the next party. This bacon ranch cheeseball is one of my favorite cheese ball recipes, especially during the holiday season.
The crispy bacon and green onion make it especially festive for Christmas! This bacon ranch cheese ball recipe an easy recipe that you can use as a perfect holiday appetizer for a cocktail party or potluck!
For this ultimate cheese ball recipe , we combine some of my favorite flavors into a cream cheese mixture. Green onions, crisp bacon, crunchy pecans, ranch dressing mix and cheddar cheese are an unbeatable combination. I have never taken this to a party and not had the guests eat the entire thing!
This easy cheeseball is also the perfect appetizer for game day! Just shape the cheeseball into the shape of a football before you pat on the topping. You can also pipe on a bit of sour cream in the shape of football laces. The end result is super cute!
Bacon is a super important part of this recipe, and you’ll need to get it cooked as part of your prep work! I think this is the best way to cook bacon without splatters and get it nice and crispy!
Recipe Adaptation Idea: Mini Cheese Ball Bites
This easy cheeseball is also the perfect appetizer for game day. Just shape the cheeseball into the shape of a football before you pat on the topping.
You can also pipe on a bit of sour cream in the shape of football laces. The end result is super cute!
What should I serve with cheeseballs?
So, what should you serve with this incredibly delicious cheeseball?
Your favorite crackers (I love Ritz crackers or wheat thins), pretzel sticks, pita chips, bagel chips, or cut vegetables like carrots, celery sticks or sweet peppers!
This easy cheeseball has so much flavor, it’s delicious with almost anything! Pair it with Tortellini Skewers, Easy Smoked Jalapeno Poppers or Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts.
Can I make this Bacon Cheddar Ranch Cheeseball ahead of time?
Yes! I think it’s even better when the flavors have time to meld overnight.
To make this cheese ball ahead of time, prepare the cream cheese and sour cream mixture and form it into a ball. Cover it with a large piece of plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to eat it, then put the topping on it just before serving.
Spicy Ranch Cheese Ball
Ingredients
For the cheese ball:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese
- 1 ounce ranch seasoning mix
- 4 slices bacon, cooked, crumbled (divided, you will use half for the topping)
- 2/3 cup green onions, diced (divided, you will use half for the topping)
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the topping:
- 2/3 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- To a large mixing bowl, add cream cheese and sour cream. Mix until well combined.
- Add shredded cheese, half of the green onions, half of the crumbled bacon, ranch mix, spices and hot sauce. Stir until well combined, and form into a ball shape.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the topping ingredients: cheddar cheese, remaining bacon, remaining green onions and chopped pecans. Stir to combine.
- Either roll the formed ball in the toppings or gently press the toppings onto the ball.
- Serve with crackers or cut vegetables.
Notes
I am actually addicted to the cheeseball now.
I use a can of chicken and instead of the cayenne and hot sauce I use one package of hidden valley spicy ranch dressing. My neighbor it is so delicious I could sell them.
This made me happy! Thank you, Pat.
Awesome
and tasty