Description
A creamy, savory cheese ball loaded with ranch flavor, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and fresh chives—perfect as a party appetizer with crackers or veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 3 tbsp homemade ranch mix)
- ½ cup cooked bacon (crumbled) + extra for coating
- ¼ cup fresh chives (chopped)
- ¼ cup green onions (finely sliced)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or panko)
- Extra shredded cheddar (for coating)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Stir in shredded cheddar, ranch seasoning, bacon, chives, green onions, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
- Transfer mixture onto plastic wrap. Shape into a ball, wrap tightly, and refrigerate at least 2 hours (or overnight for best flavor).
- On a plate, mix crushed Ritz crackers, extra shredded cheddar, and reserved bacon pieces. Roll chilled cheese ball in the coating until fully covered.
- Place on a platter with crackers, pretzels, or fresh veggie sticks. Garnish with extra chives if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños to the cheese mixture.
- This cheese ball can be made a day in advance for convenience.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 oz
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg