Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
Cook all bacon slices until crispy in a skillet or bake in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Drain on paper towels and let cool completely. Crumble into small pieces. Set aside about 1/2 cup for the coating and reserve the rest for the cheese mixture.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning mix, sour cream, garlic powder, and black pepper. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Mix-ins
Fold in the reserved crumbled bacon (not the coating portion) and chopped green onions if using. Mix with a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese mixture.
Step 4: Chill the Mixture
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm enough to shape. This makes the mixture much easier to work with and helps the balls hold their shape.
Step 5: Prepare the Coating
While the cheese mixture chills, prepare the coating. In a shallow dish or plate, combine 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, crushed crackers, remaining crumbled bacon, and parsley if using. Mix well to distribute evenly.
Step 6: Shape the Balls
Remove chilled cheese mixture from refrigerator. Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out portions of the mixture. Roll between your palms to form smooth balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 7: Coat the Balls
Roll each cheese ball in the coating mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere. Make sure each ball is well covered with the bacon, cheese, and cracker coating. Return coated balls to the baking sheet.
Step 8: Chill Again
Refrigerate the coated cheese balls for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps them firm up and allows the flavors to meld together.
Step 9: Arrange for Serving
Place cheese balls on a serving platter. They look beautiful arranged in a pyramid or scattered casually on a large plate.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Serve chilled or at room temperature with crackers, pretzel crisps, or vegetable sticks. Provide small plates and toothpicks for easy serving at parties.
Secrets to Perfect Cheese Balls
Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Leave cream cheese at room temperature for 1 hour for easiest mixing. Don’t microwave or it becomes too soft.
Chill Before Shaping: The mixture must be firm to roll into balls. If too soft, chill longer.
Use a Cookie Scoop: A small cookie scoop ensures uniform size and makes portioning quick and easy.
Press Coating Firmly: Gently press the coating onto each ball so it sticks and doesn’t fall off.
Make Ahead: These can be made 1-2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Quality Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for the best texture and flavor in the coating.
Extra Crispy: Make sure bacon is very crispy so it doesn’t make the coating soggy.
Serving Suggestions
These bacon cheddar ranch cheese balls are perfect for game day parties, holiday gatherings, cocktail hours, or appetizer spreads. Serve with an assortment of crackers like Ritz, club crackers, or wheat thins. Pretzel crisps and bagel chips also pair wonderfully.
For a complete appetizer board, arrange the cheese balls alongside fresh vegetables, salami, grapes, and olives. They’re also excellent with apple slices for a sweet-savory combination.
Storage
Store cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep them separated by parchment paper if stacking to prevent sticking. Bring to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
These can be frozen for up to 2 months. Freeze on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Variations
Jalapeño Popper: Add diced jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese
Buffalo Chicken: Add buffalo sauce and shredded chicken to the mixture
Everything Bagel: Roll in everything bagel seasoning instead of cracker coating
Garlic Herb: Add fresh herbs like dill, chives, and extra garlic
Pizza Balls: Add Italian seasoning, pepperoni pieces, and mozzarella
Smoky BBQ: Add BBQ seasoning and smoked cheddar cheese
Loaded Baked Potato: Add chives, extra sour cream, and more cheese
Spicy Sriracha: Mix in sriracha sauce and roll in crushed spicy chips
Beer Cheese: Add 2 tablespoons beer and use smoked gouda
Holiday Cranberry: Add dried cranberries and pecans for festive flair
