Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

A cheese ball with a cracker dipped into the center, surrounded by a ring of round crackers.

Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

This Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball is creamy, savory, and loaded with ranch seasoning, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon. It comes together fast, chills well, and is always a solid option for parties, holidays, and game day spreads.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Chilling time 1

Total Time 1 15

Servings as an appetizer

Calories 278kcal

Author Kylee Ayotte

Equipment

Ingredients

1 lb cream cheese softened (2 boxes)
½ cup sour cream
1 packet ranch seasoning mix about 1 ounce
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
¾ cup cooked bacon finely crumbled
2 tablespoons green onions thinly sliced

For rolling

½ cup bacon bits
¼ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
¼ cup green onions thinly sliced

For serving

crackers, pretzels chips, or sliced vegetables

Instructions

Get prepped. Allow 1 lb cream cheese to soften at room temperature so it mixes smoothly.
Mix the base. In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese and ½ cup sour cream until smooth and creamy.
Add the flavor. Stir in 1 packet ranch seasoning mix until fully combined. Add 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ¾ cup cooked bacon, and 2 tablespoons green onions, mixing until evenly distributed.
Shape and chill. Scoop the mixture onto plastic wrap and shape into a ball. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
Roll and serve. Combine ½ cup bacon bits, ¼ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts, and ¼ cup green onions on a plate. Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the mixture until evenly coated. Serve with crackers, pretzels chips, or sliced vegetables.

Notes

Let the cream cheese fully soften before mixing.
Use freshly shredded cheese for the best texture.
Cook the bacon until crisp so it stays crunchy.
Chill the cheese ball before rolling so it holds its shape.

Nutrition