Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

Planning to host a crowd? You won’t find a more crowd-pleasing party appetizer than this bacon ranch cheese ball. The smooth, creamy cheese core is flecked with zippy herbs, while a coating of crispy, savory bacon adds crunch and flavor. Plus, there’s just something festive about a cheese ball: The huge, tempting dome of dairy invites guests to gather ’round and dig in. Here’s how to make a ranch and bacon cheese ball—it’s surprisingly easy, and easy to adapt.

Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Ingredients

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• Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese makes up the solid base of this savory cheese ball with ranch and bacon. It’s important that the cream cheese isn’t used straight from the fridge, as it will be much harder to beat with the ranch dip and other ingredients. Regardless of if you use full-fat or low-fat cream cheese, it adds a tangy flavor and a smooth, creamy texture.
• Ranch dip mix: The fastest way to season something? Add ranch—as evidenced by this appetizer and other recipes with a packet of ranch seasoning.
• Shredded cheese: Whether you use Monterey Jack or cheddar, shredded cheese adds texture and rich umami flavor.
• Bacon strips: The capper of this cheese ball? A crispy shell of bacon outside the creamy cheese.
• Aromatics: Stir zippy green onions and minced chives into the cheese to brighten up the richness.
• Crackers: Serve the cheese ball with your favorite store-bought crackers, or go over-the-top with homemade crackers.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the cream cheese and seasoning

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and ranch dip mix on medium speed until smooth, three to four minutes.

Step 2: Stir in the cheese, bacon and aromatics

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Stir in the shredded cheese, 1/3 of the crumbled bacon, the chopped green onion and minced chives until well combined.

Editor’s Tip: A wooden spoon or spatula is the best tool for mixing everything together.

Step 3: Shape into a ball

Form the cheese mixture into a ball.

Editor’s Tip: The easiest way to form a smooth ball shape is to place the cheese mixture on a sheet of storage wrap, then use your hands to gently form it into a ball.

Step 4: Layer in bacon

Roll the cheese ball in the remaining crumbled bacon until it covers the entire outside of the ball.

Step 5: Chill the cheese ball

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Wrap the cheese ball in storage wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t be tempted to skip this step. Chilling the cheese solidifies it a bit, which helps it hold its shape even when the crowd starts scooping their crackers.

Step 6: Serve the cheese ball

Serve on a platter with assorted crackers, as desired.

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Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Variations

• Change up the cheese: You can use almost any type of cheese in this ranch and bacon cheese ball recipe. Try Swiss, Gruyere, white cheddar, pepper jack or Havarti.
• Add herbs: Minced fresh herbs will brighten up the cheese. Use any soft, leafy type of herb such as parsley, cilantro, dill or oregano. Woody herbs like rosemary are too brittle to use here.
• Spice it up: Dial up the heat with a sprinkle of cayenne or red pepper flakes. Italian seasoning or smoky paprika aren’t spicy but will definitely add flavor.
• Give it some punch: A few spoonfuls of chopped pepperoncini, pimientos or relish will add a vinegar-y punch to the ranch cheese ball with bacon.

How to Store a Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

Keep the ranch and bacon cheese ball wrapped in storage wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How long does a bacon ranch cheese ball last?

The ranch cheese ball with bacon will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator. The texture of the crispy bacon exterior will soften as it sits, but it will still be tasty. Discard the cheese if the texture becomes wet or slippery, which are signs it’s turning.

Can you make a bacon ranch cheese ball ahead of time?

Yes, cheese balls are a great make-ahead appetizer. We suggest making it up to two days ahead of time. After that, the crispy bacon coating may soften.

Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Tips

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What’s the best way to cook bacon?

There are so many ways to cook bacon. Pan-frying may be the most well-known, but we like to bake bacon for the least mess.

What can you serve with a bacon ranch cheese ball?

A mix of crackers is a traditional accompaniment for cheese balls. Consider a few plain butter crackers, a cheesy cracker and a spicy, seasoned cracker. Corn chips also taste delicious dunked in the cheese ball with ranch and bacon. Or, go fresh and flavorful with an array of sliced vegetable crudités, which would make this a great gluten-free appetizer.