Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

5 from 16 votes

Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

This easy Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with ranch flavor and bacon, making it a simple make-ahead party appetizer.

Prep Time15

Refrigerating Time1

Total Time1 15

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Author: Kristyn Merkley

Ingredients

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, cold NOT room temperature
⅓ cup Marzetti Ranch Dip
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
⅓ cup chopped bacon, divided
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon dried parsley
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, ranch dip, shredded cheddar, 3 tablespoons chopped bacon, garlic powder, paprika, parsley, and pepper. Use a hand mixer and mix just until combined.
Roll the mixture into a large ball or two smaller balls. Roll in the remaining bacon.
Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
Serve with buttery crackers, pretzels, pita chips, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetables like celery, carrots, and bell peppers. Choose sturdy crackers or chips that can scoop up the creamy cheese mixture.

Video

Notes

Recipe Tips.

Cook the bacon until crisp, then let it cool completely before chopping and mixing it into the cheese ball.
Use plastic wrap to help form a neat ball without getting the sticky cheese mixture all over your hands.
For the best texture, refrigerate the cheese ball without its outer coating and roll it in the remaining bacon closer to serving time.
Offer crackers, pretzels, pita chips, baguette slices, celery, and carrots so guests have plenty of options.
For an easy variation, shape the mixture into two smaller cheese balls or make bite-sized portions for a party platter.

Make ahead of time. Prepare the cheese mixture up to 1 to 2 days before serving, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate. For the best texture, wait to add the bacon coating until shortly before serving.

Store. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 to 4 days. Keep the cheese ball chilled when you're not serving it.

Nutrition