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.
Servings: 16 Servings
Calories: 229kcal
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