Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
This Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball is the ultimate easy party appetizer made with creamy cream cheese, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, green onions, and ranch seasoning. Perfect for holidays, game day, potlucks, and family gatherings, this make-ahead cheese ball recipe comes together in minutes and is always a crowd favorite. Serve it with crackers, pretzels, bagel chips, or fresh vegetables for a creamy, savory appetizer everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 8-oz cream cheese blocks softened
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2½ cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded, grated, reserve ½ cup
- 16 slices bacon cooked, divided
- 3 green onions thinly sliced, reserve 2 tbsp
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
For Rolling
- Reserved bacon slices
- ½ cup reserved shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp parsley chopped
- 2 tbsp reserved green onions
Instructions
- Cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and allow it to cool completely before crumbling.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, bacon crumbles, green onions, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Mix until fully incorporated.
- Place the mixture onto plastic wrap and shape into a ball.
- Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Combine the rolling ingredients: bacon, cheddar cheese, parsley, and green onions on a plate.
- Unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the topping mixture until completely coated.
- Serve with crackers, pretzels, crostini, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Nutritional Information
Recipe Yield: 12 servingsServing Size: Approximately ¼ cup (about 2 tablespoons with toppings)
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 255 kcal |
| Total Fat | 21g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
| Sodium | 500mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Total Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 11g |
| Calcium | 20% DV |
| Iron | 3% DV |
| Potassium | 120mg |
Nutrition Notes
- Calories may vary depending on the brand of ranch seasoning and amount of bacon used.
- Serving with crackers, pretzels, or vegetables will increase the nutritional values accordingly.
- Using reduced-fat cream cheese can lower the fat and calorie content slightly.