Description

If you’re looking for the perfect appetizer to impress your guests, the Bacon Cheddar Ranch Cheese Ball is a crowd-pleasing recipe that combines creamy, savory, and crunchy textures into one delightful bite. Packed with rich cream cheese, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and the tangy flavor of ranch, this cheese ball is a must-have for gatherings, holidays, or game-day snacks. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, it’s a stress-free addition to your menu that delivers maximum flavor.

Ingredients

16 ounce cream cheese blocks (room-temperature)
• 3 tbsp bottled ranch dressing ((I used Hidden Valley Ranch original))
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp chopped chives (divided)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (finely shredded)
• 12 ounce package center-cut bacon (cooked & crumbled, divided. Note- this will yield about 3/4 cup bacon crumbles)
• 1 cup walnuts (finely chopped)
• Butter crackers (option: RITZ brand)

Instructions

Start by cooking your bacon in a skillet over medium-low heat until it’s crisp. Drain the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate, let it cool, and chop it into crumbles. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and most of the chopped chives. Mix until smooth and evenly incorporated. Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and a portion of the bacon crumbles to distribute them throughout the cream cheese mixture.

On a large plate, mix the remaining bacon crumbles, chopped chives, and finely chopped walnuts to create the coating. Shape the cream cheese mixture into a ball and carefully roll it in the walnut mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides. Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.

Notes

Serving Tips

Pair your cheese ball with buttery crackers like RITZ or Club crackers for a classic combination.

Add variety by serving with fresh vegetable slices such as celery, carrots, bell peppers, or cucumber rounds for a lighter option.

For a unique twist, offer pretzel sticks or pita chips alongside the cheese ball for a crunchy pairing.

To make it easier for guests to enjoy, pre-spread portions of the cheese ball onto crackers or prepare small bite-sized servings on a tray.

Allow the cheese ball to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to ensure it’s soft and spreadable.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days.

Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the cheese ball up to 24 hours in advance and keep it chilled until ready to serve. This also enhances the flavors as they meld together.

Freezing: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cheese ball before adding the walnut coating. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it in the coating and serving.

Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy within three days for optimal taste and texture.

With these serving and storage tips, your Bacon Cheddar Ranch Cheese Ball will remain a delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer every time!