This Cream Cheese Ball recipe is a great appetizer for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be served with crackers or tortilla chips for a classic holiday party snack. It's flavored with ranch seasoning and rolls in bacon to provide a full flavor experience. With only four ingredients, it's quick and simple to make.
Next time try the Tangy Green Onion Dip - easy to make and perfect with potato chips!
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Why you'll love this recipe
✔️ Like the Roasted Grape Crostini appetizer, you only need a few simple ingredients.
✔️ You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. I think it tastes even better the next day!
✔️ It's a delicious snack that your guests will love and a great game day appetizer.
Ingredients
For the exact measurements for this classic cheese ball recipe, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- cream cheese softened
- ranch salad seasoning mix packet
- shredded cheese
- chopped bacon bits
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!
- Allow the cream cheese to completely soften. Place in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the ranch salad dressing mix and shedded cheese. Mix together ingredients until well combined. I easily mixed it with a mixing spoon, but you can also use a hand mixer.
- Finely chop the bacon. Spread a couple of pieces of plastic wrap on the cutting board. Evenly sprinkle the bacon on the plastic wrap.
- Form the cheese into a ball, roll in the bacon bits.
- Serve and enjoy!
Equipment
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FAQ's
The cheese ball is made of shredded cheese, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning. Then, it's rolled in some crispy bacon bits.
I personally love to serve my cheeseball with a variety of crackers. But, you can also serve it with chips, pita chips, sliced veggies like cucumbers, carrots and celery for a tasty snack.
You can use any type of shredded cheese that you have on hand, but I like to use sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor.
Things to know
- Freshly shredded cheese gives the best flavor and texture to your cheeseball.
- Make sure that use softened cream cheese so that your seasonings will mix in easily.
- I also highly recommend that you use a block of cream cheese and not the tub or whipped kind for this classic appetizer.
- My favorite crackers to serve with this classic holiday appetizer is Chicken in a Biscuit, Sociables, Ritz Crackers, or even Benton crackers.
Variations
- Add a little kick to this recipe by mixing a little hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or chili powder into the cream cheese mixture.
- If you enjoy a nutty coating to your savory cheese ball, then instead of rolling it in bacon crumbles, roll your cheese ball mixture into chopped pecans.
- You can change up the flavor of this recipe by using a mixture of cheeses. Cheddar, Colby jack, or pepper jack all work great for this easy recipe.
- Instead of making one large cheeseball, you could also shape these into one-inch balls to make mini cheeseballs and skewer them with pretzel sticks.
Use leftover cheese ball to make Chicken Bacon Ranch Pinwheels. Spread it tortillas and top with deli meat chicken. Great use of leftovers!
Storage
Refrigerate - This can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze - You may also freeze the cheese ball for a month or two. I recommend freezing it without the bacon bits on the outside because they get chewy.
Related recipes
I think you'll love these easy appetizers - they are always tasty, perfect for holiday appetizers and tasty party food!
- Meat and Cheese Boards are always a crowd-favorite appetizer during the holiday season. And, you can't have a cheese board without some tangy homemade pickles. This Refrigerator Pickle recipe takes the hassle of making pickles so that you can spend more time with your guests.
- Brown Sugar Baked Brie is a lovely appetizer, perfect for a party and only takes minutes to make!
- These Ham and Pickle Roll Ups are one of my favorite simple appetizer recipes. There is no cooking required and they come together super quickly. You won't regret making this tasty recipe!
- In my opinion, you can never go wrong with tacos at a party! Reach for Ground Beef Taco Dip or Bean and Cheese Dip Recipe, both are the perfect party appetizers!
- The next time you need a simple no-fuss appetizer to make your holiday party, look no further than these Asian Pork Meatballs. This easy recipe is always a fan favorite!
- This Christmas Puppy Chow is one of my favorite easy recipes to make for parties during the holiday season. This kid-friendly snack will disappear quickly off your holiday table.
- You won't regret making these Cuban Sliders at your next party. They are tangy, flavorful, and hand-held appetizers that your friends and family will devour quickly!
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Cream Cheese Ball Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 ounce ranch salad seasoning mix packet this is the dry powdered mixture
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup chopped bacon bits about 6 sliced crispy bacon, chopped
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Instructions
- Allow the cream cheese to completely soften. Place in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the ranch salad dressing mix and shedded cheese. Mix together ingredients until well combined. I easily mixed it with a mixing spoon, but you can also use a hand mixer.
- Finely chop the bacon. Spread a couple of pieces of plastic wrap on the cutting board. Evenly sprinkle the bacon on the plastic wrap.
- Form the cheese into a ball, roll in the bacon bits.
- Serve and enjoy!
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