Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
User Reviews
5
Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
Description
The Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball combines softened cream cheese and sour cream with ranch seasoning, garlic powder, cheddar cheese, green onions, and crumbled bacon. Mixing creates a smooth yet textured spread, enhanced by the sharp and smoky flavor combination. Formed into a ball and chilled, it firms up and develops deeper flavor integration. The texture is creamy with bits of cheddar and bacon for added bite. Once chilled, it can be served with crackers, pita chips, vegetables, or crusty breads, making it suitable for sharing at gatherings or as a snack.
Shredding cheddar from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese improves texture and flavor. You can roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans for crunch if desired. Preparing the bacon in advance and letting cream cheese soften at room temperature facilitates mixing. The cheese ball can be made up to two days ahead and stored refrigerated for convenience.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. cream cheese softened
- 3 Tablespoons sour cream
- 1 oz. ranch seasoning mix Equal to about 3 Tablespoons, packet
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese see notes*
- ¼ cup green onions diced (can sub 1/3 cup diced chives)
- 6 Bacon cooked and crumbled, strips
Instructions
- Use a silicone spatula to mix all ingredients until well combined. Transfer to saran wrap and use it to help you mold it into a ball.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes in order to allow the flavors to blend. Remove saran wrap and transfer to a serving platter. Serve with crackers, vegetables, Pita chips, or crusty breads.
- As of 12/2020: Sour Cream, Garlic Powder, and White Cheddar/Monterey Jack cheese were added to the recipe for improved taste and texture. They are optional, but recommended. The recipe video does not include these ingredients.
Notes
- Use shredded block cheddar cheese for better texture and taste over pre-shredded cheese.
- Refrigerate the prepared cheese ball for at least 30 minutes to blend flavors well before serving.
- Make the bacon in advance to save preparation time and allow it to cool for easier mixing.
- Chilling the cheese ball up to 2 days ahead keeps it fresh and ready to serve.
- Optional: Roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans for added texture.
- Can also be formed into bite-sized balls and served with toothpicks for easy snacking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 295 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 295kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Cholesterol | 78mg | 26% |
| Sodium | 554mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 117mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 826IU | 17% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 172mg | 17% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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