Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
User Reviews
5
Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
Description
The Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball starts with beating cream cheese until smooth, then mixing in shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning blend, BBQ sauce, some cooked diced bacon, and chopped fresh parsley. The mixture is refrigerated for a couple of hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to firm up.
Once chilled, the mixture is shaped into a ball and rolled in a prepared coating of remaining cooked bacon, chopped pecans, and fresh parsley, which clings to the surface to provide a crunchy, savory crust. This contrast between the creamy cheese center and crisp coating creates a balanced appetizer.
The cheese ball can be served immediately or stored covered in the fridge until needed. It pairs well with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables for dipping and is suitable for parties and casual snacking. The smoky bacon and tangy ranch seasoning give it a familiar, comforting flavor profile.
Using oven-baked bacon reduces mess for preparing the bacon bits. Ranch seasoning packets or homemade blends can be used depending on preference. Making the cheese ball ahead facilitates party prep. Leftovers keep refrigerated for a few days.
Ingredients
- 10 lices Bacon prepared and diced, divided
- 1/3 c. pecans chopped
- 1/3 c. parsley chopped, fresh, leaves, divided
- 2 packages cream cheese 8 oz each, room temperature
- 1 c. cheddar cheese shredded sharp
- 1 oz Ranch Seasoning and Salad Dressing Mix package
- 1/3 c. BBQ sauce
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine half of the bacon, pecans and 3 Tbsp parsley; set aside.
- In a large bowl beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add cheddar cheese, Ranch Seasoning, BBQ Sauce, remaining bacon and parsley and mix until well combined and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Cover cheese mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Remove cheese mixture from refrigerator and place until serving platter. Shape into a ball with your hands.
- Roll in the bacon, pecan and parsley mixture, making sure all sides are coated. You may have to pat the coating on in places so it sticks.
- Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving.
Notes
- Cook bacon evenly using oven-baking to reduce mess for this recipe.
- Ranch seasoning can be store-bought or made from a homemade blend.
- Prepare the cheese ball ahead and refrigerate before rolling in coating for convenience.
- Leftovers store in the refrigerator up to three days, covered tightly.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 281 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 281kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 8g | 16% |
| Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Cholesterol | 63mg | 21% |
| Sodium | 493mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 150mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1272IU | 25% |
| Vitamin C | 9mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 195mg | 20% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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