This Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball puts a delicious kick on the classic recipe we all know and love. Cream cheese, ranch, bacon, and more are combined in this tasty bacon cheese ball recipe for lots of flavor. It’s perfect as a Christmas party appetizer, New Year’s Eve appetizer, or for game day!
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Why We Love This Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Recipe
Nothing is easier than an appetizer that lets the refrigerator do all the heavy lifting. This recipe is filled with flavor (what’s better than cheese and bacon?), and it’s really easy to make. This cheese ball recipe with bacon is perfect for any party, holiday, or occasion that requires you to feed guests, and it’s always a hit. Just add some crackers and let people dip away!
Variations on Bacon Cheddar Ranch Cheese Ball
The great thing about cheese balls is that you can really add in anything you want. I love the savory, tangy mix that the bacon and ranch add in. Plus the yogurt gives it a bit of extra creaminess. So yummy!
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How to Store and Reheat
You can store your bacon ranch cheese ball in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just wrap it in plastic wrap.
How to Freeze
Whether you have leftovers or you just want to make your bacon ranch cheese ball well ahead of time, you can freeze it for up to 4 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe resealable bag. If you are just trying to prepare these ahead of time, I recommend freezing it before rolling it in the bacon crumbles. But it will still work just fine if they’re already on there.
Serving Suggestions
A cheese ball is such an easy thing to make, and it’s absolutely delicious! Serve it on a cheeseboard (next to Boursin and pimento cheese) with an array of crackers (try my Mexican spice cheese crackers!), chips, pretzels, and vegetables, and everyone will devour it in a flash. It’s the most classic holiday appetizer!
You can leave this cheese ball out of refrigeration for up to 2 hours. After 2 hours, I recommend placing it back into the refrigerator to keep it firm and fresh. You can extend this time by placing the cheese ball on a plate set in a bowl of ice.
To shape a cheese ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and roll it gently into a ball shape. You can use your fingers or the palms of your hands to gently shape it into other fun shapes if you like!
Your cheese ball may become runny or wet if you add too many mix-ins. Keep it simple with dried herbs, and make sure to pat dry any fresh herbs before mixing them in.
More Cheese Ball Recipes To Try
- Classic Cheese Ball
- Pumpkin Cheese Ball
- Everything Bagel Cheese Ball
- Christmas Cheese Ball
- Mini Cheese Ball Bites
5-Star Review
“I love this recipe!! It’s great for any get-together & always a hit!” -Kristyn
Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Recipe
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Ingredients
- ½ cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup freshly shredded Swiss Cheese
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ ounce ranch seasoning (½ packet)
- 4 ounces cream cheese room temperature (½ brick)
- 1 pound crumbled cooked bacon divided
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Combine the cheddar, Swiss, yogurt, Ranch seasoning mix, cream cheese, and one-quarter of the crumbled bacon in a mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients together with an electric mixer until well blended.½ cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ¼ cup freshly shredded Swiss Cheese, ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt, ½ ounce ranch seasoning, 4 ounces cream cheese, 1 pound crumbled cooked bacon
- Shape the cheese mixture into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and place it in a bowl just larger than the ball.
- Refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
- After the cheese ball has firmed in the fridge, combine the remaining bacon crumbles and chopped parsley in a small mixing bowl.¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Roll the cheese ball in the bacon crumbles/parsley mixture, pressing slightly so the bacon will adhere to the cheese.
- Return the cheese ball to the fridge until ready to serve with your favorite crackers and/or fresh vegetables.
Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!
Becky’s tips
- This Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball is best made one day ahead to give time for the flavors to meld.
- Feel free to use your favorite types of cheeses to make it your own!
- The cream cheese must be at room temperature or it will not mix smoothly.
- Don’t skip the crunchy coating; it provides a great contrast to the creamy spread.
- Try shaping your cheese ball into a football, pumpkin, Christmas tree, or log!
- Serve at room temperature for the best results.
Nutrition Information
How to Make a Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Step by Step
Mix the Cheese Ball: Combine ½ cup of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ¼ cup of freshly shredded Swiss Cheese, ¼ cup of plain Greek yogurt, ½ ounce of ranch seasoning, 4 ounces (½ brick) of cream cheese, and ¼ pound of crumbled cooked bacon in a mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients together with an electric mixer until well blended.
Shape and Chill: Shape the cheese mixture into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and place it in a bowl just larger than the ball. Refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
Make the Coating: After the cheese ball has firmed in the fridge, combine the remaining ¾ pound of bacon crumbles and ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley in a small mixing bowl.
Roll and Serve: Roll the cheese ball in the bacon crumbles/parsley mixture, pressing slightly so the bacon will adhere to the cheese. Return the cheese ball to the fridge until ready to serve with your favorite crackers and/or fresh vegetables.
I love this recipe!! It’s great for any get-together & always a hit!
So glad you love it Kristyn!
It’s like you read my mind to find out all of my favorite things and put them all into this appetizer! So delicious!!
Thanks Sabrina!!
Cheese balls are my go-to appetizer! This recipe looks SO flavorful and delicious!
ME TOO!
I’d be ALL over this at a party — yum!!!
I like the way you think lol
I would love to try this out! These flavors are perfect together!
xoxo