Cheddar Ranch Cheese Ball

Cheddar Ranch Cheese Ball is a creamy, orange-centered appetizer that’s chilled until firm, then rolled in bacon, pecans, and parsley for a crunchy outside. Made by mixing ranch seasoning into sharp cheddar, shaping into a ball, and serving with crackers and pretzels.

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Prep Time 15

chilling 2

Total Time 2 15

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Calories: 365

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Cheese ball base

16 oz cream cheese softer than room temp for easy mixing
2 cup shredded sharp cheddar shred fresh if possible for best melt and texture
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning use the full packet
2 green onions finely sliced
6 slice bacon cooked and finely crumbled
3 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
0.75 cup pecans finely chopped

To serve

1 Crackers and pretzels as needed

Method

Make the cheese mixture

Beat cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, ranch seasoning, and green onions until well combined, scraping down as needed so the mixture looks uniform and thick.

Shape and chill

Shape the mixture into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap, then chill for 2 hours until firm.

Make the coating

Combine bacon, pecans, and fresh parsley on a plate so the coating is spread out for easy rolling.

Roll and set

Roll the chilled cheese ball in the coating, pressing so it sticks on all sides and the outside looks evenly covered.

Serve

Let sit 10 minutes at room temperature, then serve with crackers and pretzels.

Notes

For clean shaping and strong coverage, press the coating onto the cheese ball with firm, even pressure right after rolling. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; do not freeze (texture can soften after thawing). For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and a reduced-fat cheddar while keeping the same chilling time.