The Ultimate Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
User Reviews
5
The Ultimate Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
Description
This cheese ball recipe starts by blending softened cream cheese with optional sour cream and dry ranch seasoning alongside garlic powder, minced onion, salt, and pepper to build a flavored cream cheese base. The mixture includes shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheese as well as half of the cooked, crumbled bacon and green onions to incorporate both smoky and fresh elements throughout.
The blended mixture is shaped into a ball on plastic wrap and refrigerated until firm. The outer coating is prepared by mixing remaining cheddar cheese, bacon, green onions, poppy seeds, and chopped pecans which adds a coating of crunch and additional flavor complexity when rolled around the chilled ball.
Before serving, the cheese ball is rolled in the coating to fully encase it. This makes an ideal savory party appetizer featuring creamy, tangy cheese balanced by smoky bacon and crunchy pecans with herbaceous notes from green onions and ranch seasoning.
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese , room temperature
- 3 Tbsp sour cream (optional but recommended)
- 1 oz ranch seasoning package
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion dried minced
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/4 cups cheddar cheese , finely grated (divided)
- 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese , finely grated (divided)
- 8 lices Bacon , cooked and crumbled (divided)
- 1/3 cup green onion divided, chopped
- 2/3 cup pecans chopped
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
Instructions
MAKE THE CHEESE BALL
- To a large mixing bowl, add cream cheese, sour cream (if using), ranch seasoning, garlic powder, minced onion, salt and pepper. Stir until well combined with a rubber spatula.
- Add 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, all of the pepper jack cheese, half of the bacon, and half the green onions. Stir until mixed.
- Lay out a large sheet of plastic wrap and drop cream cheese mixture onto it. Cover tightly on all sides, and shape into a ball shape. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight, until firm.
MAKE THE OUTER COATING
- Add remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, remaining bacon and green onions to a small mixing bowl. Add in poppy seeds and refrigerate alongside the cheese ball.
- Before rolling the cheese ball, add pecans and stir well.
BEFORE SERVING
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and spread out the outer coating in an even layer.
- Remove plastic wrap and roll cheese ball in coating, making sure all sides are coated. You may have to pick up some of the coating and press it so it sticks.
- Serve immediately, or cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Chilling time varies; allow several hours or overnight for best firmness before coating and serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 234 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 234kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 52mg | 17% |
| Sodium | 409mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 102mg | 2% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 535IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 0.5mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 127mg | 13% |
| Iron | 0.4mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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