Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

A bacon and cheddar cheese covered cheese ball with some of the outside taken out to show the center.

5 from 4 votes

This Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball is one of those classic party appetizers that everyone loves. It's easy to make, loaded with flavor and perfect for the holidays, game days, or anytime you need the perfect crowd-pleaser. This version is loaded with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and ranch seasoning!

Prep Time10

Chilling Time1

Total Time10

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball, cheese ball, dip

Servings:

Calories: 166kcal

Equipment

Large Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

8 oz bacon
16 oz cream cheese (two 8 oz blocks)
2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3 green onions (sliced)
3 TBS ranch seasoning (or 1 oz ranch seasoning packet)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 TBS fresh parsley

Instructions

Cook the bacon until its crispy. Let it cool, then chop it into pieces. Set it aside. 8 oz bacon
Add the cream cheese to a large bowl and beat it until smooth. (A stand mixer or hand mixer works great for this).16 oz cream cheese
Add all but 2 TBS of each, the bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onion to the bowl. 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 3 green onions
Add in the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix it all together until the seasonings and everything is evenly distributed. 3 TBS ranch seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp salt
Spread out a piece of plastic wrap. Scoop the cheese mixture onto the plastic wrap and push it all together into itself, rolling the cheeseball up in the wrap and forming it into a ball.
Add the pecans, remaining bacon, cheddar, green onion, and the parsley to a shallow plate or a cutting board and mix together. 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 1/2 TBS fresh parsley
Roll the cheeseball in the nut mixture, to cover it on all the sides. Use your hands to press the mixture into the cheese ball if there are any blank spaces. Wrap in another piece of plastic wrap and place in fridge until ready to serve.
Wrap the cheese ball in another piece of plastic wrap. Place in the fridge for 1 hour to chill.
Unwrap the cheese ball and serve it a spreading knife with crackers, pretzels and veggie sticks.

Notes

Soften the Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese blocks sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour, to soften enough so they mix smoothly with all the rest of the ingredients.
Extra Add Ins: Add some diced jalapeno for a kick. Other seasonings that would be good, try 1/2 to 1 tsp of cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, or Worcestershire sauce.
Serve With: Pair with some crackers, pretzels, or sliced veggies and enjoy!

Nutrition