This recipe creates a classic and crowd-pleasing Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball. A creamy mixture of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, and crispy bacon is rolled into a ball and coated with even more bacon, cheese, and fresh chives. It’s a perfect appetizer for parties and gatherings, served with crackers, vegetables, or bread.
Ingredients:
- 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (1 ounce) packet ranch dressing and dip mix
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon, plus more for coating
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives, plus more for coating
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, for coating
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add Cheese and Ranch: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and ranch dressing mix to the cream cheese. Beat until well combined.
- Stir in Bacon and Chives: Stir in the 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon and the 1/4 cup of chopped fresh chives. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Shape into a Ball: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the mixture to firm up. Once chilled, remove the mixture from the refrigerator and shape it into a ball using your hands.
- Prepare Coating: On a shallow plate, combine the extra crumbled bacon, extra chopped fresh chives, and chopped pecans or walnuts (if using) for the coating.
- Coat the Cheese Ball: Roll the cheese ball in the coating mixture until it is completely covered. Gently press the coating onto the cheese ball to help it adhere.
- Chill Again: Wrap the coated cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to firm up completely and the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball chilled with your favorite crackers, vegetables (such as celery sticks, carrot sticks, and bell pepper strips), or slices of baguette.
Tips and Notes:
- Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth and easy-to-mix cheese ball.
- Chill Time: Don’t skip the chilling steps, as they are crucial for the cheese ball to hold its shape.
- Coating Variations: Feel free to customize the coating with other ingredients like chopped parsley, everything bagel seasoning, or paprika.
- Serving Suggestions: Get creative with your serving options! Pretzel sticks, mini toasts, or even apple slices can be delicious accompaniments.
- Make Ahead: The cheese ball can be made up to 2-3 days in advance. Store it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator. Coat it just before serving for the best texture.
Enjoy this delicious and easy Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball at your next gathering!