This is a variation of my favorite ranch cheese ball recipe that includes more bacon. This cheese ball is the stuff of cheese ball dreams for bacon or ranch lovers (or both), and it will become a go-to snack for entertaining.
| Prep Time: | 15 mins |
| Cook Time: | 10 mins |
| Chill Time: | 2 hrs |
| Total Time: | 2 hrs 25 mins |
| Servings: | 32 |
| Yield: | 1 large cheese ball |
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 (1 ounce) package dry ranch dressing mix
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup minced fresh chives
- crackers for serving
Instructions
- Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels and allow to cool. Crumble bacon slices when cool enough to handle.
- Mix together cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, Ranch dressing mix, dried minced onion, garlic powder, and 1/2 of the crumbled bacon in a bowl until well combined. Place the other half of crumbled bacon in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Form cheese mixture into a round ball (it’s helpful to use plastic wrap while shaping it). Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Place remaining crumbled bacon on a plate and stir in minced chives. Remove plastic wrap from the cheese ball and roll it in the bacon and chive mixture, lightly pressing the topping to the cheese ball so it sticks.
- Place the coated cheese ball on a serving dish and surround with crackers for dipping.
Reviews
mmm cheesy balls
I make this every Thanksgiving, at the request of family and friends. I follow the recipe exactly, minus the bacon. Very delicious and enjoyed by everyone. I roll it in chopped pecans and serve with “vegetable round” crackers.
I’ve made a version of this for years and I’m happy to find the recipe again and it is scrumptious. It’s always a big hit. Roll in chopped pecans for a special amount of yum!