For best flavor, use high-quality bacon and freshly grated Cheddar cheese. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked bacon bits, but freshly cooked bacon will provide a superior flavor. To make ahead, the cheese ball can be prepared and coated up to 24 hours in advance. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the bacon-chive coating. Consider serving with a variety of dippers, such as vegetables, pretzels, or apple slices, for a more diverse appetizer spread.
Bacon-Ranch Cheese Ball
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PREP TIME15 mins
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COOK TIME10 mins
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TOTAL TIME2 hrs 25 mins
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SERVING32 People
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VIEWS33
Elevate your appetizer game with this decadent Bacon-Ranch Cheese Ball. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with savory bacon and zesty ranch flavors, it's the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate1 g
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Cholesterol28 mg
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Protein4 g
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Saturated Fat6 g
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Sodium205 mg
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Fat10 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
StepPrepare the Bacon (15 minutes): In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool enough to handle, crumble the bacon. Reserve half for mixing into the cheese ball and the other half for coating.
02
StepCombine Cheese Ball Ingredients (10 minutes): In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded Cheddar cheese, ranch dressing mix, dried minced onion, garlic powder, and half of the crumbled bacon. Mix until well combined and smooth.
03
StepChill the Mixture (2 hours): Form the cheese mixture into a ball using your hands or plastic wrap for easier handling. Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow it to firm up.
04
StepCoat the Cheese Ball (5 minutes): In a shallow dish, combine the remaining crumbled bacon and minced chives. Remove the plastic wrap from the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the bacon-chive mixture, gently pressing to adhere.
05
StepServe (5 minutes): Place the coated cheese ball on a serving platter and surround with an assortment of crackers. Garnish with extra fresh chives, if desired. Serve immediately or keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
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RECIPE REVIEWS
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Ford Boehm
Jun 23, 2025I substituted the dried minced onion with fresh shallots, and it added a lovely subtle flavor.
Selina Frami
May 29, 2025This is my new go-to appetizer! Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Breanne Pacocha
May 27, 2025I made this for a potluck and it was gone in minutes! Will definitely be making it again.
Anastacio Dare
May 15, 2025Easy to make and so delicious!
Kelvin Durgan
May 3, 2025I used a mixture of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and it was delicious!
Thad Murphy
Apr 15, 2025The recipe was easy to follow and the cheese ball turned out perfectly. I added a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Carey Cassin
Apr 3, 2025I skipped the chives because I didn't have any on hand, and it was still great!
Sage Gleasonbaumbach
Jan 9, 2025Be sure to let the cream cheese soften completely, otherwise it will be difficult to mix.
Carole Pouros
Dec 28, 2024This cheese ball was a huge hit at my party! Everyone loved the bacon-ranch flavor combination.