Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
User Reviews
5
Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
Description
The Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball features a mix of cold cream cheese and ranch dip combined with shredded cheddar cheese and flavored with garlic powder, paprika, parsley, and black pepper. After folding in chopped bacon, the mixture is shaped into one or two balls and rolled in the remaining bacon pieces for a textured exterior. Refrigerating the cheese ball for an hour allows it to set, ready to be sliced or spread.
This cheese ball offers a creamy yet slightly crumbly texture with savory and slightly smoky notes from the bacon. Its tang from ranch dip and seasoning pairs well with its sharp cheddar flavor, creating a balanced and flavorful appetizer.
Serve with an assortment of dipping options such as carrot or celery sticks, apple slices, crackers, pretzels, pita chips, or crostini. It’s suitable for gatherings where finger foods are popular.
To maintain bacon crispiness, coat the cheese ball just before serving. It can be made ahead and refrigerated for one to two days, or frozen for up to six weeks. Leftovers should be tightly covered and refrigerated, consuming within four to five days.
Ingredients
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese cold NOT room temperature
- ⅓ cup ranch dip Marzetti brand
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese shredded
- ⅓ cup Bacon divided, chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon parsley dried
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper ground
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, ranch dip, shredded cheddar, 3 tablespoons chopped bacon, garlic powder, paprika, parsley, and pepper. Use a hand mixer and mix just until combined.
- Roll the mixture into a large ball, or two smaller balls. Roll in the remaining bacon.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Chill the cheese ball for at least one hour to allow it to firm up before serving.
- Roll in cooked bacon bits just before serving to maintain crispy texture and avoid sogginess.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to five days to preserve freshness.
- This cheese ball freezes well for four to six weeks; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Serve with a variety of dippers like fresh vegetables, pretzels, or crackers for versatility.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 24Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 154 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 154kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 39mg | 13% |
| Sodium | 210mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 49mg | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 425IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 127mg | 13% |
| Iron | 0.2mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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