Cheese Ball Recipe Cream Cheese Ranch Dressing Mix
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This is the BEST appetizer and easy Cheese Ball Recipe! Cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and ranch dressing combine giving you a delicious and easy holiday appetizer!
I am the biggest sucker for appetizers. ESPECIALLY dips made of cheese. We started making this super easy cheese ball recipe a few years ago and it has become a staple in our home around the holidays! Why?
It is so stinken good. A ranch dressing packet adds a tangy flavor that is out of this world. Pair that with real bacon crumbles and cheddar cheese… You have one crazy good appetizer or snack recipe!
Recipe Features:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 10 minutes!
- Make Ahead: You can make this up to two days in advance!
- Easy to Customize: You can add or take out ingredients based on your tastes!
Step by Step Instructions:
Another winning part of this recipe is the tiny ingredient list! You only need SIX ingredients! Even better? It takes less than 10 minutes to put together.
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Ranch dressing mix
- Sour cream
- Bacon
- Green onion
For a full list of ingredients and their measurements see the recipe card below.
Step by Step Instructions:
- Combine all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl. Stir until fully incorporated. Set aside.
- Place a piece of plastic wrap into a large bowl. Transfer the cheese mixture into the wrap and bowl, using the wrap to help form into a ball.
- Chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until ready to serve.
Optional: You can always roll the cheese ball in toasted pecans or bacon crumbles. We opted out of this option due to a nut allergy.
Because this recipe is SO easy, you really can't mess it up. Just follow the simple instructions. However, I do have a few tips and tricks for making this even better!
Tips and FAQs:
Tips for homemade cheese balls:
Make it ahead of time. The longer this has to chill, the better the flavor will be! The ranch packet gives it a very tangy flavor that can be overpowering at first. Letting it have some time helps all of the flavors blend and combine even better.
Use plastic wrap to form the ball. I briefly mention this in the instructions, but I use a bowl and plastic wrap to help give this it's iconic ball shape. It's super simple and takes less than a few minutes!
Get creative with your mix-in's! You can add nuts, dried berries, and so many other things. We like this specific combo but have been known to improvise when needed. Toasted pecans are always a hit!
How long can a cheese ball stay out?
Two hours. This is a pretty standard rule for any perishable food item. Two hours is about the time you want to consider storing or disposing of your leftovers.
How long do homemade cheese balls last?
Two weeks. This is only true IF you leave out the bacon and store it properly in an air tight container in the refrigerator. If you add the bacon to your cheese ball, the suggested time will be 4 to 5 days.
Related Recipes:
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- Cheesy Artichoke Dip
- Cheese Ball Bites
- Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
- Spicy Deviled Eggs
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese
- 1-3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (1oz) ranch dressing mix packet
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 5 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2-3 tablespoons green onion, chopped
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl. Stir until fully incorporated. Set aside.
- Place a piece of plastic wrap into a large bowl. Transfer the cheese mixture into the wrap and bowl, using the wrap to help form into a ball.
- Chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until ready to serve.
Notes
Optional* You can always roll the cheese ball in toasted pecans or bacon crumbles. We opted out of this option due to a nut allergy.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 315 Total Fat: 27g Saturated Fat: 15g Trans Fat: 1g Unsaturated Fat: 9g Cholesterol: 79mg Sodium: 481mg Carbohydrates: 3g Fiber: 0g Sugar: 1g Protein: 15g
Calorie count is a rough estimate provided by a third party
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Cheese Ball Recipe Cream Cheese Ranch Dressing Mix
Source: https://onesweetappetite.com/the-best-cheese-ball-recipe/