Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

Discover the irresistible blend of crispy bacon, zesty ranch, and creamy cheese in this delectable Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball. Perfect for your next gathering or snack-time indulgence, this savory appetizer is sure to please your taste buds.

I love taking classic appetizers and adding some extra flavor such as these Crockpot Little Smokies and Meatballs with Grape Jelly. This cheese ball is no different and filled with unique flavor.

What I Love About This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Not only can this appetizer be made ahead it can also be made in under 30 minutes! It’s a simple and hassle-free recipe that anyone can whip up in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: This bacon ranch cheese ball combines the rich, smoky taste of bacon with the tangy kick of Ranch Dressing Mix, creating a mouthwatering flavor explosion.
• Portable and Shareable: Easily transportable, making it an excellent choice for picnics, potlucks, and outdoor gatherings. A friend of mine said it was a huge hit at her book club!

How to Make a Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

1. Combine the ingredients. In a large mixing bowl beat the cream cheese, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper together using a handheld mixer until smooth. Add the two kinds of cheese and 3/4 of the crumbled bacon (reserve 1/4 for a garnish on top) and mix it in.
2. Form the cheese ball. Use a spatula to gather the mixture and shape it into a ball. Prior to handling, lightly coat your hands with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the cheese from adhering.
3. Coat it in crushed crackers. Pour the crushed Ritz crackers onto a rimmed baking sheet and carefully roll the cheese ball into the crackers. You may need to use your hands to press the crumbs into the ball for an even coating. Sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon on top.
4. Chill. Cover the cheeseball with plastic wrap and allow it to refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions:

• To Make-Ahead: Make the cheeseball but don’t coat it in the crushed crackers. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator it will last up to a week. About an hour before serving, roll it in the crushed crackers and return it to the refrigerator until it’s time to serve.
• Storage: To maintain its freshness, store the bacon ranch cheese ball in the refrigerator, where it can remain good for several days, or even up to two weeks, contingent upon the initial quality of the ingredients used.
• To Freeze: For freezing, carefully wrap it in plastic wrap (excluding the crackers) and then insert it into a freezer-safe ziplock bag. You can keep it frozen for up to one month. To defrost, transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Once fully thawed, coat it with crackers before serving.

Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Recipe

Experience the delightful harmony of crispy bacon, tangy ranch, and creamy cheese within this mouthwatering Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball. Whether it's your upcoming gathering or a satisfying snack break, this savory appetizer promises to delight your palate.

5 from 6 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Chill Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 16 Servings

Calories: 229kcal

Author: Aimee Mars

Equipment

• ▢
  Handheld Mixer
• ▢
  Rubber Spatula

Ingredients

• ▢ 16 ounces Cream Cheese
• ▢ 3 tablespoons Sour Cream
• ▢ 1 ounce Ranch Dressing Mix
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
• ▢ 1¼ cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• ▢ 1/2 cup Pepper Jack Cheese shredded
• ▢ 8 slices Bacon cooked and crumbled
• ▢ 1½ cup Ritz Crackers crushed

Instructions

• Combine the ingredients. In a large mixing bowl beat the cream cheese, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper together using a handheld mixer until smooth. Add the two cheeses and 3/4 of the crumbled bacon (reserve 1/4 for a garnish on top) and mix it in.
• Form the cheese ball. Use a spatula to gather the mixture and shape it into a ball. Prior to handling, lightly coat your hands with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the cheese from adhering.
• Coat it in crushed crackers. Pour the crushed Ritz crackers onto a rimmed baking sheet and carefully roll the cheese ball into the crackers. You may need to use your hands to press the crumbs into the ball for an even coating. Sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon on top.
• Chill. Cover the cheeseball with plastic wrap and allow it to refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

Notes

Make-Ahead and Storage Information:

• To Make-Ahead: Make the cheeseball but don’t coat it in the crushed crackers. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator it will last up to a week. About an hour before serving, roll it in the crushed crackers and return it to the refrigerator until it’s time to serve.
• Storage: To maintain its freshness, store the bacon ranch cheese ball in the refrigerator, where it can remain good for several days, or even up to two weeks, contingent upon the initial quality of the ingredients used.
• To Freeze: For freezing, carefully wrap it in plastic wrap (excluding the crackers) and then insert it into a freezer-safe ziplock bag. You can keep it frozen for up to one month. To defrost, transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Once fully thawed, coat it with crackers before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 229kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 495mg | Potassium: 83mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 515IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 130mg | Iron: 1mg

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