The ultimate cheese ball recipe made with creamy ranch flavored cream cheese, and plenty of bacon, cheese, and other tasty add-ins.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Total Time15 minutesmins
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: appetizer recipe, cheese ball recipe
Servings: 16servings
Calories: 234kcal
Ingredients
16ozcream cheese, room temperature
3Tbspsour cream(optional but recommended)
1ozpackage ranch seasoning
3/4tspgarlic powder
1/2tspdried minced onion
1/4tspkosher salt
1/4tspblack pepper
1 1/4cupscheddar cheese, finely grated (divided)
1/2cuppepper jack cheese, finely grated (divided)
8slicesbacon, cooked and crumbled (divided)
1/3cupchopped green onions(divided)
2/3cupchopped pecans
1tsppoppy seeds
Instructions
MAKE THE CHEESE BALL
To a large mixing bowl, add cream cheese, sour cream (if using), ranch seasoning, garlic powder, minced onion, salt and pepper. Stir until well combined with a rubber spatula.
Add 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, all of the pepper jack cheese, half of the bacon, and half the green onions. Stir until mixed.
Lay out a large sheet of plastic wrap and drop cream cheese mixture onto it. Cover tightly on all sides, and shape into a ball shape. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight, until firm.
MAKE THE OUTER COATING
Add remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, remaining bacon and green onions to a small mixing bowl. Add in poppy seeds and refrigerate alongside the cheese ball.
Before rolling the cheese ball, add pecans and stir well.
BEFORE SERVING
Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and spread out the outer coating in an even layer.
Remove plastic wrap and roll cheese ball in coating, making sure all sides are coated. You may have to pick up some of the coating and press it so it sticks.
Serve immediately, or cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Video
Notes
Prep time does not include chilling time, as that will vary from individual to individual.