Cheddar, bacon and ranch are a perfect combination of flavors for a cheese ball. Get your crackers ready and watch this savory cheese ball disappear right before your eyes!
The savory flavors of cheddar, bacon and ranch are the perfect combination for an out of this world cheese ball. It is so easy to put together and is a perfect appetizer for any party. Cheese balls also transport well, so they are great for tailgating and potlucks too!
Cheese balls might be the ultimate party food. They usually quick to put together and they are better made in advance so you don’t have to do any work while your guests are around.
This easy bacon and ranch flavored cheese ball takes just a few simple ingredients but still gives you big flavor. Just set it out with some crackers and everyone will think you are the hostess with the mostest.
I enjoy cheese balls rolled in nuts or herbs, but my herb garden is dormant for the winter and my boys won’t eat nuts. So cracker crumbs and extra bacon made for a quick and easy win.
We have served this cheese ball at parties and family gatherings. It has also been served to our football watching crew more times than I can count.
It is a hit every time. So next time you are looking for a simple appetizer or savory snack, be sure to keep this cheese ball recipe in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I store leftover cheese ball?
If there are fresh herbs, veggies or fruit in the cheese ball it will usually last about 3 days if it is wrapped tightly and refrigerated. If you leave the green onions and chives out of this cheese ball, the leftovers should last for about a week in the refrigerator.
What do you serve with a cheese ball?
Our favorite way to eat a cheese ball is to spread it over crackers. However you can also dip pretzel twists into the cheese ball like a dip. Pita chips, toasted baguette slices and celery sticks are all great options as well.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Cheese Ball Recipe
Start with room temperature cream cheese. It will make mixing in the other ingredients so much easier.
It is best to make the cheese ball at least an hour ahead of time so it can firm up a bit before you roll it. This also gives the flavors a chance to meld.
However, you can make the cheese ball up to a day in advance. Just wait until closer to serving time to roll it in whatever coating you plan to use.
Scoop the cheeseball mixture into a piece of plastic wrap and then use the plastic wrap to help bring the mixture together into a ball. This will help to keep your hands clean during the process!
If you don’t want people having to share a communal cheese ball, try using a small cookie scoop to portion out little cheese balls. Chill them on a tray before rolling them.
Then each person can grab their own cheese ball and a few crackers. It makes them feel extra special.
If you don’t feel like forming, chilling and coating a cheese ball, that’s okay too. Just mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon and ranch powder and serve it in a bowl as a cracker spread.
More Fun Cheese Ball Recipes
If you like Havarti cheese, you have to check out the Havarti cheese ball recipe. It is super cream and when you coat it with diced peppers it is really tasty!
Maybe pizza is your go to snack. Then the pepperoni pizza cheese ball is for you. It has all that great pizza flavor in a fun cracker spread package.
For a fun twist, try making mini cranberry cheese balls. We tend to make them around the holidays, but they would be delicious any time of the year.
If you sweet tooth is talking to you, make a cookies and cream cheese ball. We tend to shape ours like a football for an extra fun treat.
Love this recipe? Give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review in the recipe card below!
Cheddar Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ pound bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 1 ounce package of ranch seasoning mix
- ¼ cup chopped chives or green onions
- Coating options: diced bell peppers chopped nuts, chopped bacon, bread crumbs, fresh herbs (or any combination of the above)
Instructions
Food Processor Option
- In a food processor, chop cheddar until it is small crumbles.
- Add cream cheese, bacon, ranch mix and chives. Process until well combined.
- Scoop out of processor and place on plastic wrap. Use the plastic wrap to form the cheese into a ball.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour.
- Before serving, coat in desired coatings. Press them into the cheese ball to help them stick. Serve with crackers.
Shredded Cheese and Bowl Option
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together bacon, cream cheese, ranch mix, cheddar and chives.
- Place on plastic wrap and form into a ball. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Roll in desired coating before serving. Be sure to have plenty of crackers on hand!
Video
Nutrition
Jenny@Cookiescoffeeandcrafts
Thursday 3rd of January 2019
Cheese balls are delicious. You make it look so easy.
Carlee
Friday 4th of January 2019
That's one of the best parts about cheese balls, they are so easy and yummy!
anne@simpleandsavory
Monday 31st of December 2018
I used to make something like this a lot and forgot about it. Thanks for reminding me. And I love how you made it look like an apple!
Carlee
Friday 4th of January 2019
Yay! It's always fun to bring old favorites back!
Liz @ Books n' Cooks
Monday 31st of December 2018
I'm not a huge fan of ranch, but recently discovered that cheese balls don't count - the ranch flavor tends to be light and a perfect compliment to the other mix-ins. We like to serve a similar recipe at Game Day celebrations and it's a hit.
Carlee
Friday 4th of January 2019
Cheese balls live by their own rules!! ;-)
Sue Lau
Saturday 29th of December 2018
I love making cheese balls like this ahead and then we are just ready to go if someone pops in to visit.
Carlee
Friday 4th of January 2019
That's a great way to welcome a guest!
Caroline
Saturday 29th of December 2018
Sounds like a tasty mix, and great for a party.
Carlee
Friday 4th of January 2019
It was a big hit at our house!