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This cheese ball is my go-to party appetizer whenever friends are gathering around the table. It is creamy, packed with ranch flavor, smoky bacon, and plenty of cheddar so it always disappears before the night is over. The best part is you can make it ahead and serve cold with crackers or veggie sticks, which makes entertaining a lot less stressful.
Every time I bring this cheese ball to a gathering it is the first thing gone and people immediately ask for the recipe. It is one of those comfort foods that brings everyone together round after round.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: Soft and full fat cream cheese adds rich spreadable texture make sure to let it soften before mixing
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Use a sharp cheddar for more flavor check for freshly grated cheddar if possible
- Ranch dressing mix packet: Brings savory zesty taste and ties all ingredients together look for a good quality brand
- Sour cream: A touch of tang and smoothness whole milk sour cream gives the best results
- Bacon: Cooked crisp and crumbled for smoky bits throughout always use freshly cooked bacon rather than packaged crumbs
- Green onion: Chopped fresh for mild onion bite and a pop of color choose firm bright green stalks
- Crackers veggies or chips for serving: Pick sturdy crackers or sliced cucumbers for dipping and scooping
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients:
- Be sure your cream cheese has come to room temperature for easier mixing. Cook bacon until crispy and chop green onions finely for best flavor distribution.
- Mix the Cheese Base:
- Add softened cream cheese shredded cheddar ranch mix sour cream crumbled bacon and chopped green onion into a large mixing bowl. Use a sturdy spatula or big spoon to stir and mash until completely smooth with no visible cream cheese chunks.
- Shape the Cheese Ball:
- Lay a big sheet of plastic wrap inside another bowl which gives support. Scrape the cheese mixture into the wrap and gently lift the edges up and over the cheese. Shape it into a ball by pulling and pressing through the plastic until mostly even.
- Chill for Best Flavor:
- Wrap your cheese ball up tight and place in the fridge for at least four hours. Overnight is even better since chilling firms things up and really blends all the flavors.
- Finish and Serve:
- Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and place onto your serving plate. If you like roll the outside in extra bacon or fresh herbs for more color and crunch. Put out crackers veggie sticks or chips for dipping and enjoy with friends.
Nothing beats the smoky crunch of fresh bacon in this recipe. My favorite memory is letting my daughter help roll the chilled cheese ball in bacon bits for her birthday party which made it even more special.
Storage Tips
Keep the cheese ball wrapped tightly in plastic so it does not pick up fridge flavors. It will keep for up to five days in the refrigerator. If you need to store it longer freeze the ball before rolling in toppings and thaw in the fridge before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap cheddar for pepper jack or Colby jack for a twist on flavor. Turkey bacon or even finely chopped toasted nuts like pecans make fun mix ins if you want to switch up traditional flavors. Greek yogurt works in a pinch for sour cream if you like a lighter touch.
Serving Suggestions
Spread on toasted baguette slices or stuff into celery sticks for a fun finger food. I also love it as a sandwich spread the next day or as a topping for baked potatoes during the holidays.
This recipe is always a sure hit and makes every gathering feel a little more festive. Make it once and it will become your go-to party starter too.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of cheese works best for this cheese ball?
Sharp cheddar brings bold flavor and pairs well with cream cheese, but you can use a blend of your favorite cheeses for variety.
- → How far in advance can I prepare it?
You can prepare and chill the cheese ball up to 24 hours in advance. Chilling helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.
- → Can I add toppings to the outside?
Absolutely! Rolling the cheese ball in chopped nuts, bacon, or fresh herbs adds extra flavor, texture, and an attractive presentation.
- → What pairs well for serving?
Serve with crackers, pretzels, sliced vegetables, or sturdy chips. The cheese ball is versatile and complements many dippable snacks.
- → Any allergy considerations?
If there are nut allergies, skip nuts as a coating. The cheese ball stands well on its own or with a bacon or herb crust.