The BEST classic Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Recipe. This homemade creamy Cheese Ball is so easy to make and will become a must-have appetizer for parties and around the Holidays.
We have a shortlist of favorite party appetizers like Spinach Artichoke Dip, healthy Shrimp Cucumber Bites, and Stuffed Mushrooms. This cheeseball is sure to become a new favorite. It comes together fast and is packed with flavor.
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Cheese Ball Recipe:
I love a good cheese ball at parties, and who doesn’t? Packed with bacon bits, nuts, shredded cheese and seasonings, this is the ULTIMATE appetizer recipe.
Not only is the cheese ball loaded with so much flavor, but it also takes just minutes to prepare and is so stunning when served.
How to Make a Cheese Ball:
Making a cheese ball is SO EASY! Once you make a homemade cheese ball, you’ll never purchase store-bought again. You just can’t beat a homemade cheeseball!
- In a mixing bowl, combine all of the cheese ingredients until well incorporated: cream cheese and sour cream, bacon bits, shredded cheese, green onion, walnuts, poppy seeds, and seasonings.
- Finely chop the cheese, walnuts, green onion for the coating (or you can leave it chunky if that’s your preference).
- Shape cheese ball and coat generously with the topping mixture and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cooks TIP: For easier mixing, first, beat the cream cheese and sour cream with a mixer, then stir in remaining ingredients with a spatula or wooden spoon until well incorporated.
TIPS for the BEST Cheese Ball!
Though there’s not much that can go wrong when making a cheese ball, here are some added tips we found helpful:
- If you don’t have Ranch seasoning, you can substitute the sour cream and Ranch seasoning with your favorite Ranch dressing instead. It is a little easier to form the ball with sour cream though since it is thicker.
- Add the ranch seasoning to taste – there are different formulations with varying amounts of salt. Start with less and add more.
- The cream cheese MUST be at room temperature or you’ll have a really hard time mixing.
- If you enjoy spicy food, add Hot Sauce or Sriracha to the mixture for a kick.
- When serving the cheese ball, serve at room temp for a softer mixture that’s easier to spread or dip.
- You can use your favorite cheese or a mixture of cheeses. Mild cheddar, sharp cheddar, four-cheese (Mexican), Colby Jack or Monterey Jack cheese are all great options. TIP: Purchase a block of cheese and shred it for better flavor without additives.
How to Make Cheese ball in Advance?
We love make-ahead appetizers that taste just as good or better when made in advance. There are two ways to prepare the cheese ball in advance and both work great!
- Option 1: Prepare the mixture and refrigerate it in a bowl. Shape and coat before serving.
- Option 2: Prepare and shape the mixture and cover with plastic wrap, then refrigerate. Coat before serving.
Ideas How to Shape a Cheese Ball-
You don’t have to limit yourself to only a classic cheese ball shape (as we have in this recipe). Here are some other creative ideas for shaping the cheese ball. The décor can vary, depending on the shape and event-
- SPORTS- An oval football for football parties, or a basketball for finals, etc.
- FALL- A pumpkin for fall parties.
- CHRISTMAS- A reindeer, snowman, wreath or tree for Christmas.
- THANKSGIVING- A turkey for around Thanksgiving theme.
- LOG- You can also just shape the mixture into a log instead of a ball for any occasion.
What to Serve with a Cheese Ball:
Cheese balls are classically served with crackers of choice, but they can be served with so many different sides. Here are some other serving options for a cheese ball.
- Vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes or celery)
- Pretzels or Pretzel Crisps
- Bagels if serving for brunch
- Crostini
- Pita chips
- Salami or turkey
- Tortilla chips
- Your favorite crackers
- Olives or roasted peppers
How Long Will Cheese Balls Last?
A cheese ball can last up to 5 days, if refrigerated. Be sure to keep it tightly wrapped.
Try These Other Party Appetizers:
These are the appetizers that always disappear fast and get rave reviews. Just like this cheese ball recipe, most of these appetizers can be made ahead to make your party planning even easier!
- Pico De Gallo – learn the secret to the best pico!
- Ceviche – authentic and irresistibly delicious
- Deviled Eggs – with bacon and a surprise ingredient
- Buffalo Chicken Dip- Classic dip with a twist
- Chunky Guacamole- A favorite at parties.
Cheese Ball Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz bacon, chopped, divided
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 16 oz cream cheese, room temp
- 1/2 cup Mexican cheese, shredded (4 cheese blend)
- 1 1/4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped and divided
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped and divided
- 2 to 3 Tbsp Ranch seasoning, add to taste*
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 1/4 tsp poppyseeds, divided
Instructions
- Cut bacon into small pieces and sauté until cooked. Once cooled, set aside 1/4 of the bacon for the topping.
- In a bowl, add 3/4 of the bacon, 1/4 cup sour cream, 16 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup four-cheese blend, 1 cup cheddar cheese, 3 Tbsp green onions, 1/4 cup walnuts, 3 Tbsp Ranch seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp pepper, and 1 tsp poppy seeds. With a wooden spatula, mix all ingredients until well combined.
- Finely chop the remaining 1/4 of bacon, 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, 1 Tbsp green onion, and 1/4 cup walnuts. Mix together with the 1/4 tsp poppy seed. Spread this mixture onto a cutting board.
- Form a ball out of the cheese mixture and roll the cheese ball over the toppings to fully coat and shape into an even ball as it's coated. Serve right away or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving
Filed Under
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen
Hi! I'm Natasha Kravchuk. Here you'll find delicious, trusted recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. 
This is my family favorite. Always on my holiday table. Yummy!!
I may try with chopped Jalepeno pepper small amount but this recipe is perfect as is 💕
Sounds delicious!
I always love your recipes but this cheeseball is like eating a block of salt! And with expensive as everything is I wasted over $30 making this. Not happy. And yes, I followed the directions exactly as they are.
Hi Kathie, I did some further research on this and it seems that the leading brand of Ranch Seasoning may have changed their formulation. Previously they required 3 Tbsp per 16 oz of ranch and now it’s 2 Tbsp. Thanks for brining this to my attention – I updated the recipe and added notes throughout to help others avoid this issue in the future. I wish I could have prevented the salty cheese ball for you. That is such a bummer.
Had this Recipe made for us the other day and it was a hit for all Thanks to my nephew Tyler and Aimee Zimmerman, I just made one and everyone that was at there Christmas is now making them all this Recipe. It is great. Thanks Have a delicious Holiday.
I’m so happy to read it was a hit, Ryan! Thank you so much for your awesome review!
This is my favorite recipe for a cheeseball! I’ve tried tweaking it with my own ideas, but I always come back to your original. It is has the best combination of ingredients and is packed with flavor!! I have saved and shared a lot of your recipes with friends and family. You are a blessing. Thank you!! Gwen
I make this cheese ball recipe for nearly every gathering I am invited to or host, and it’s always a hit! I’ve shared it with many people, and will continue to do so. Thanks for the great recipe!