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I made this cheeseball the first year that I was blogging. It quickly became the most popular cheeseball on my site and is my absolute favorite. Needless to say, the picture was in need of a makeover. 🙂
December is full of holiday parties and get togethers. And in my opinion, cheeseballs are a must at any gathering! They are delicious and so simple to make. This cheeseball has so many amazing flavors combined. Ranch flavor, green onions, cheddar cheese, and crunchy pecans. And don’t forget the bacon. Bacon makes everything better and adds such great flavor!
The year that I made this, I was looking for a fun new neighbor gift idea. I decided to divide the cheeseball up and give them to my neighbors with some crackers. It was a huge hit. My dad loved it so much that he made me come and make some for his neighbors. Man, the perks of having your daughter be The Recipe Critic! ?
I know that you will enjoy this recipe just as much as our families and neighbors did! You can’t ever go wrong with such a delicious flavor combination! People will be asking you for the recipe and it is sure to be a huge hit!
This is definitely a five star cheeseball in my book!
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Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese
- 1 (1-ounce) packet dry buttermilk ranch dressing mix
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup thinly sliced green onion
- 6 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ¼ cup chopped black olives, optional
- 1 cup pecans or almonds, finely chopped for coating
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese and dry ranch packet using an electric hand mixer.
- Add the cheese, onions, bacon pieces, and olives, if using. Mix to combine.
- Shape the mixture into a ball. Place the chopped nuts on a plate then roll the cheese ball over the nuts to coat the outside. You can make one big ball or two smaller ones!
- Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container until you're ready to serve. Enjoy with crackers or vegetables!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Hi Alyssa! This is an awesome recipe! I make a cheese ball similar to this. I also add diced deli ham in mine then I roll it in the crisp bacon bits. You can buy the Real Bacon Pieces/Bits and microwave then until they are crisp. I have a granddaughter that has nut allergies and she absolutely loves this!
Amazing appetizer! I’ve made this 3 times now (and counting) for family functions and it gets huge compliments every time. I put in Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Ranch Dip Seasoning to give it a bit of spice…awesome!!
I am going to make this yummy cheese ball for Thanksgiving, thank you for sharing?
what kind of crackers are those? they look delicious!
These crackers are a fave of mine. They are the Back to Nature Organic Wheat Crackers, Stoneground. Hope that you love them as much as I do! XOXO
Very delicious, thank you for sharing. Also, when you gifted them out to neighbors,…what did you wrap the cheeseball with ?
I bought a plate for each one and then wrapped it in cellophane Christmas wrap. Hope that helps! It was a huge hit and loved by all! XOXO
What cracker did you use in the video? That’s the cracker I want because they look like they would hold up well.
I got them from Costco in a package of 5 or 6 varieties. I am not sure what they are called though.
For those who can’t eat nuts, what would be a good alternative to the pecans? The only thing I can think of is to crush some pretzels….
Maybe bacon crumbles and finely shredded cheddar, mixed with finely chopped green onions and/or parsley?
Sounds good haven’t tried it yet
Do you think this is gluten free?
No, unfortunately it is not. You are welcome to make it GF though, if that is what you need.
what kind of crackers did you use with the dip?
I like to use a buttery cracker but any cracker will taste great with this cheese ball.
I made this today for tomorrow’s New Years munchies. Had a taste and it is so yummy. Sans olives as very few people in my family like them we put those yucky things in a bowl for those who do like them lol ?Happy New Year and thanks for sharing your recipe ??
I wanted some clarification on the Ranch packet mix……the “buttermilk” only comes in 0.4 oz. dry packets where as the REGULAR ranch dry mix comes in 1 oz. packets. IS THERE A DIFFERENCE? Thanks!
I am sure both would work just fine. 🙂
Can u prepare this and freeze??
Thanks a lot for sharing this with all of us you really know what you are talking about! Bookmarked. Please also visit my website =). We could have a link exchange arrangement between us!
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Thanks so much for sharing! I made this like three times, and it’s always a huge hit. I love this recipe so much that I’m linking your page to my blog. Take care!
Made it last week for a shower trial run and it was delicious! Thanks for sharing a great recipe. Easy, quick and tasty!
Bacon does make everything better! So excited to try this. I think my hubby may just die when he sees it! 😉