This classic Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball recipe is made with crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and cheddar. Serve it as one big ball or smaller ball bites. This make-ahead appetizer is a great way to feed a crowd!

Be sure to try my French Onion Dip, Pizza Dip, and Sausage Rolls next!

A bacon ranch cheese ball on surrounded by crackers.

Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

There are few things I love more in this world than a gigantic Bacon Ranch Cheese ball. (I’m a classy and complex person.)

This is the ultimate appetizer idea for a crowd, people love it. See below on serving options, you can serve it as one big ball or smaller cheese ball bites!

As of December 2021 I added 3 additional ingredients that are simple, but make a huge difference in taste and texture. (See below!)

Ingredients

  • Cream Cheese- softened
  • Ranch Seasoning Mix- I like to buy it in bulk
  • Cheddar Cheese
  • Bacon- Regular or Smoked
  • Green Onions

NEW as of 12/21:

  • Sour Cream– makes it creamier and much easier to dip!
  • White Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese
  • Garlic Powder

How to Make it

  • Mix all ingredients until evenly combined
  • Transfer to saran wrap and use it to help you mold it into a ball.
  • Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes in order to allow the flavors to blend.
  • Serve with crackers, vegetables, Pita chips, or crusty breads.

Making a bacon ranch cheddar cheese ball.

PRO Tips For This Recipe

  • Important! Be sure to get Ranch seasoning mix for this recipe, not Ranch dip mix, they do taste differently and have different uses.
  • For best taste, shred the cheese from a block instead of using bagged shredded cheese.
  • This cheese ball can be made up to 2 days ahead of time and store in the refrigerator.
  • I like to fry the bacon the night before making this as it’s a lot quicker and gives it time to cool before mixing with the cheese.
  • Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for 1 hour before you prepare, (if possible). This makes it easier to combine evenly with the other ingredients.
  • Optional: Roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans for an added crunch.
  • Some people roll these into bite-sized balls and serve them with toothpicks.

Storage

  • This Cheese Ball can be stored for up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator, assuming all ingredients are fresh, including the onions and bacon.

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A bacon ranch cheese ball with crackers around it.

Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
5 from 43 ratings
Servings: 10 people
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This cheese ball has a perfect blend of flavors including ranch, crispy bacon bits, 2 kinds of cheese, and chives. 

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric
  • 16 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 3 Tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 oz. packet Ranch seasoning mix, (Equal to about 3 Tablespoons)
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, see notes*
  • ¼ cup green onions, diced (can sub 1/3 cup diced chives)
  • 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

Instructions

  • Use a silicone spatula to mix all ingredients until well combined. Transfer to saran wrap and use it to help you mold it into a ball.
  • Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes in order to allow the flavors to blend. Remove saran wrap and transfer to a serving platter. Serve with crackers, vegetables, Pita chips, or crusty breads.
  • As of 12/2020: Sour Cream, Garlic Powder, and White Cheddar/Monterey Jack cheese were added to the recipe for improved taste and texture. They are optional, but recommended. The recipe video does not include these ingredients.

Notes

*I like to use a combination of sharp yellow and white cheddar. Cracker Barrel is my brand of choice. For best results, shred it from a block instead of using bagged shredded cheese. Monterey Jack is a good option to add to the mix as well.

PRO Tips For This Recipe

  • Important! Be sure to get Ranch seasoning mix for this recipe, not Ranch dip mix, they do taste differently and have different uses.
  • This cheese ball can be made up to 2 days ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
  • I like to fry the bacon the night before making this as it's a lot quicker and gives it time to cool before mixing with the cheese.
  • Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for 1 hour before you prepare, (if possible). This makes it easier to combine evenly with the other ingredients.
  • Optional: Roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans for an added crunch.
  • Some people roll these into bite-sized balls and serve them with toothpicks.

Nutrition

Calories: 295kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 27g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Cholesterol: 78mg, Sodium: 554mg, Potassium: 117mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 826IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 172mg, Iron: 1mg
Did you try this recipe?Mention @TheCozyCook on Instagram or tag #thecozycook!
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Author: Stephanie
This cheese-ball as a perfect blend of flavors including ranch, crispy bacon bits, 2 kinds of cheese, and chives. A perfectly easy and delicious appetizer! | The Cozy Cook | #cheese #fingerfood #appetizer #bacon #cheddar #cheeseball

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