For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the bacon-pecan mixture. Experiment with different nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for a unique twist. To make ahead, prepare the cheese ball up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Serve with an assortment of crackers, vegetable sticks, or pretzel crisps.
4-Ingredient Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
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PREP TIME5 mins
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COOK TIME10 mins
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TOTAL TIME1 hrs 15 mins
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SERVING15 People
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VIEWS15
Elevate your appetizer game with this incredibly simple yet utterly addictive cheese ball. The creamy tang of ranch meets the salty crunch of bacon and nutty pecans in a symphony of flavors and textures that will disappear in a flash. Perfect with your favorite dippers or enjoyed straight from the spoon!
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate1 g
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Cholesterol22 mg
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Fiber0 g
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Protein2 g
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Saturated Fat5 g
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Sodium173 mg
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Fat10 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
Step
10 mins
Render the Bacon Perfection (10 minutes): In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until gloriously crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool slightly. For optimal crispness, consider baking the bacon at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
02
Step
5 mins
Cream Cheese Infusion (5 minutes): In a medium bowl, gently blend the softened cream cheese with the dry ranch dressing mix until smooth and completely incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light and airy texture.
03
Step
40 mins
Bacon Crumble & Assembly (10 minutes + 30 minutes chilling): Finely chop the cooked bacon. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon crumbles for the final coating. Gently fold the remaining bacon into the cream cheese mixture. Using clean hands or plastic wrap, shape the mixture into a smooth ball. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the cheese ball to firm up.
04
Step
35 mins
The Grand Finale (5 minutes + 30 minutes resting): In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans and the reserved bacon crumbles. Roll the chilled cheese ball in the pecan-bacon mixture, ensuring it's evenly coated. Refrigerate again until ready to serve. Allow the cheese ball to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop.
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Please Rate
Kelley Ledner
Jun 18, 2025My kids even loved it! A definite win.
Frederick Stanton
Jun 11, 2025So easy to make and incredibly delicious. I'll definitely be making this again!
Eleanora Smith
May 28, 2025I added a little bit of shredded cheddar cheese to the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor and it was amazing!
Sierra Prosacco
May 25, 2025This cheese ball was a HUGE hit at my party! Everyone raved about the bacon and pecan coating.