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.

Cheese ball coated with bacon, cheese and nuts on a serving plate.

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Hey, hey! Valentina with Valentina’s Corner sharing our Cheese Ball Recipe.

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.

Ingredients for classic cheese ball recipe from scratch.

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!

  1. 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.
  2. Finely chop the cheese, walnuts, green onion for the coating (or you can leave it chunky if that’s your preference).
  3. 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.

Three photos side by side, on how to make a Cheese Ball.

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.
  • 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.

Holiday Cheese ball on a platter with crackers.

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.

Crackers by cream cheese mixture on a plate.

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

Cheese ball surrounded with crackers and pita chips.

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!

Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

Cheese Ball Recipe

4.98 from 261 votes
Author: Valentina Ablaev
Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Recipe with pita chips for serving
The easiest and absolute BEST cheese ball recipe. Cream cheese with Ranch, bacon bits, nuts, and cheese - so GOOD! Serve the cheese ball as an appetizer for potlucks and around the Holidays.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 16 servings
  • 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
  • 3 Tbsp Ranch seasoning
  • 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.

Nutrition Per Serving

182kcal Calories4g Carbs8g Protein15g Fat7g Saturated Fat38mg Cholesterol667mg Sodium73mg Potassium1g Fiber1g Sugar460IU Vitamin A1mg Vitamin C100mg Calcium1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Cheese Ball Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
182
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
15
g
23
%
Saturated Fat
 
7
g
44
%
Cholesterol
 
38
mg
13
%
Sodium
 
667
mg
29
%
Potassium
 
73
mg
2
%
Carbohydrates
 
4
g
1
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
8
g
16
%
Vitamin A
 
460
IU
9
%
Vitamin C
 
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
100
mg
10
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cheese ball
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 182

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

Valentina Ablaev

I am Valentina, the creator behind the food blog Valentina’s Corner where I share our family’s favorite recipes. When I am not in the kitchen, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and 5 children. We invite you to join us on our blogging journey!

Read more posts by Valentina

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Victoria
    February 10, 2024

    Delicious. Just used 2 tablespoons of ranch and omitted onion. Used lower salt bacon too. Will make again!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 10, 2024

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Elena Butler
    January 6, 2024

    I actually doubled the recipe for our Christmas party and it was a hit. I made 2 balls and kept one in the fridge as I knew my hubby would love the “leftovers”. I substituted walnuts for pecans because that’s what I had on hand. Never thought to use poppy seeds for a cheese ball! I am making this again, 3 weeks later. Seems like it’s going to be our regular recipe. дякую, Натусю!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 6, 2024

      Hi Elena! That sounds great. I’m so glad you loved the recipe!

      Reply

  • Pam floyd
    December 30, 2023

    I made the cheeseball as an appetizer before thanksgiving everyone loved it they said the bacone made it.l got your new cook book for Christmas.thank you your reciepe or so easy too fallow.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      December 30, 2023

      I’m so glad you all enjoyed it, Pam!

      Reply

  • joeannwishnevsky
    December 22, 2023

    I’ve bought ingredients for 3 of these cheese balls and realized I bought ranch dips mix instead of ranch dressing packet what should I do?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 22, 2023

      Hi Joeann. I think they can be used interchangeably based on what I read online but you can look up the ingredients on the packages and compare them.

      Reply

      • Sue Feaser
        January 2, 2024

        Actually, I made this recipe, it was good but VERY salty. A friend asked if I used ranch DIP OR DRESSING powder…I used the dip and that is too salty. You have to use the RANCH DRESSING powder for this. We ate it, but it is SALTY! whew! BTW, we loved the rest of the texture and ingredients of the cheese ball, will make again with different ranch powder! 😀 Thank you!

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          January 2, 2024

          Thank you for sharing your experience, Sue. Good to know. I don’t have the packets on hand to compare but likely there is more salt in the dips vs. seasoning mix.

          Reply

  • Becky Brotz
    December 16, 2023

    This is a five-star recipe! One comment I had was it was the BEST cheese ball he has ever had. It is definitely my standard recipe!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 16, 2023

      That’s amazing, Becky! I’m so glad to hear that.

      Reply

  • Victoria
    December 13, 2023

    My husband declares this delicious! I’m not a fan of ranch or these flavors, but I know my guests will be. Thank you for adding, again, to my repertoire! Quick question: This makes a lot. What would you think about freezing half of it? Would that work?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 13, 2023

      Hi Victoria! You’re very welcome! I haven’t frozen it but in my research, it sounds like cheese balls can freeze well. Maybe add the nuts on after thawing?

      Reply

  • Joanna
    December 11, 2023

    Made this for a Christmas party and followed the recipe to a T, except I used spicy ranch seasoning for a little kick. It was a crowd pleaser for sure and even had a few people ask for the recipe. Will be making this again.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 11, 2023

      I’m so glad it was a hit!

      Reply

  • Erin
    December 11, 2023

    Hello! This looks wonderful! Do you think this would freeze well?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      December 11, 2023

      Hi Erin! I haven’t tested it myself but I think so. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and add nuts once completely thawed.

      Reply

      • Shellie Stone
        December 13, 2023

        This is my families favorite cheeseball recipe! I use everything bagel seasoning and chopped pecans. Thank you!

        Reply

        • NatashasKitchen.com
          December 13, 2023

          So glad to hear that!

          Reply

  • Marisa LaPorte
    December 6, 2023

    Hi Natasha,
    I would like to give this a try but I cannot do walnuts because of an allergy. Do you think I can substitute with chopped sunflowers seeds or just completely omit the walnuts?
    Looking forward to your reply.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      December 6, 2023

      HI Marisa, I think that would work to substitute the nuts with seeds or just omit the nuts altogether and add a little more bacon and chives.

      Reply

  • Amanda
    December 6, 2023

    The link for the Ranch Seasoning is broken. I would like to know what brand, etc. is recommended. Would you please fix that link?

    Reply

  • Wendy
    November 21, 2023

    Do you think imitation bacon bits can be used instead of real bacon?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      November 21, 2023

      Hi Wendy, we prefer real bacon since the imitation ones tend to be harder, but if that’s all that you have on hand it may work. I hope you love this recipe.

      Reply

  • Carol
    September 3, 2023

    I made this for a party. Everyone loved it. It makes a lot so next time I will cut the recipe in half.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 3, 2023

      Hey Carol! Great to hear that it was a huge hit. Thanks so much for this review and for sharing that with us.

      Reply

  • Chelsea Iwanchuk
    August 16, 2023

    Can use freeze these? I would like to make a a couple of these and have them ready when we need to bring one any occasion.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      August 16, 2023

      Hi Chelsea! I haven’t tested that but I think it will work.

      Reply

  • donna
    June 25, 2023

    can this be cut in half? way too much for me and my husband.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 26, 2023

      Hi Donna! Yes, you it can be. In the recipe card above, if you hover over the serving size you can slide to increase/decrease the serving size and this will convert the ingredient list for you.

      Reply

  • Kathy
    January 2, 2023

    Fantastic recipe…After reading some of the reviews I only added 2 tbsp of the Ranch powder… Will definitely be making again… Thank you

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 2, 2023

      So glad you loved it, Kathy! Thank you for sharing.

      Reply

  • Wendy
    January 1, 2023

    Everyone LOVED this cheeseball recipe! I didn’t have dry Italian seasoning mix or sour cream so I used ranch dressing. I also used Trader Joe’s Everything but the Bagel sesame seasoning blend for the last 3 seasonings. Then I just rolled it in the bacon and cheese (I didn’t use nuts). I’m sure it tasted almost the same as the original recipe just without the nuts….thank you for a keeper!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 1, 2023

      You’re so welcome. Great to hear that it was a huge hit!

      Reply

  • Bradley Smith
    January 1, 2023

    I made this for New Years Eve and here’s a list of the mistakes I made after getting feedback from friends with good taste buds and have no trouble being honest. 1. I used ranch dip mix instead of ranch seasoning and that could have been a mistake. 3 tablespoons was over powering and way too much. 2. I love bacon and added more bacon. Even some bacon bits from a packet. And a few drops of liquid smoke. Don’t do this. Follow the recipe. Two people commented, “wow that’s a lot of bacon”. I did not think that “too much bacon” was possible. But I achieved it. 3. I added too much cheese and even some pepper jack. Again, follow the recipe. I did not. All the extra stuff just made this too salty. Which is another comment I got. Luckily it was a large gathering and there were tons of other dishes to help keep mine unnoticed. One other comment I got was “ohh…this is an explosion in your mouth!” lol. It was not a boring cheeseball so I got that going, anyway. Better luck to me in the kitchen in 2023!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 1, 2023

      Thanks for sharing that with, Bradley. I recommend following the recipe as it is especially on your first try but practice makes perfect! I’m sure it will be very great on your next try.

      Reply

    • Patty Cupples
      December 17, 2023

      Fantastic but almost to salty with 3 tb.s ranch seasoning, I used the same ranch that the recipe suggests. Next time I will use half the amount and it should be perfect.

      Reply

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