This creamy cheese ball made with fresh crumbled bacon, cheddar, and ranch seasoning makes a quick, easy, and delicious appetizer your party guests are sure to enjoy.
COOK + BAKE | Updated January 27, 2026
COOK + BAKE | Updated January 27, 2026
Although many people consider them "retro," I'm a big fan of serving cheese balls for snack when family is coming over.
Whether prepared from scratch or with a pre-made mix (the bruschetta cheese ball is a favorite), it is an appetizer that is always easy to make, doesn't take much time, and can be customized with the flavors you're hungry for at the time.
It is possible to get really creative with the ingredients you combine, like I did with my Olive Pecan Cheese Ball.
My most popular combination, however, has been a mix of two of my favorite flavors - freshly cooked bacon and Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing. Although you can't make a cheese ball using liquid dressing, the seasoning packets sold to make the dressing are just the right amount of ingredients to make a flavorful cheese ball that is out of this world.
This post will explain what you'll need, how to successfully prepare a cheese ball, and what to serve it with.
Tips for Making Cheese Balls
Here are a few things to remember when making any cheese ball appetizer:
USE SOFTENED CREAM CHEESE
The cream cheese should be at or close to room temperature when making a cheese ball so that it can be thoroughly combined with the other ingredients and shaped into a ball or log.
To soften quickly, cut the cream cheese into smaller cubes, spread them out onto a plate, and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour or until soft to the touch.
WHIP THE CREAM CHEESE
While it isn’t mandatory, whipping the cream cheese with an electric mixer before adding the other ingredients gives the cheeseball a creamy, consistent texture that is perfect for spreading onto crackers and veggies.
SHRED YOUR OWN CHEESE
The freshest flavor and best texture will come from shredding your own cheese from a block over buying a bag of pre-shredded.CHILLING
Cheese balls need to be refrigerated twice before serving - once after the ingredients are mixed together allowing the cream cheese to become firm for coating the outside and a second chilling to allow the flavors to come together and intensify.
Ingredients You'll Need
A full recipe with printable card option is available further in the post.
To Make a Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball, you'll need the following:
- Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix: This is the powder that comes in a packet at the grocery store, not the actual ranch dressing in a bottle. Feel free to use a homemade mix if you prefer.
- Cream Cheese
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: I prefer mild cheddar for this recipe, but you could also use sharp or white cheddar.
- Bacon: Cooked and crumbled into small bits.
How to Make a Cheddar Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
STEP 1:: Cook your bacon in a pan until crisp. Drain it on a piece of paper towel and allow it to cool. Then crumble the bacon into small bits. You’ll be using some of it inside the cheese ball and also coating the outside.
STEP 2: In a small mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to whip softened cream cheese for about one minute to a creamy texture eliminating any lumps.
STEP 3: Add the ranch dressing mix and blend it into the cream cheese with a silicone spatula ★ or wooden spoon. You can use more or less of the mix than recommended depending on how much flavor you want the cheeseball to have.
STEP 4: Then fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and about half of the bacon until it is fully combined.
STEP 5: Spoon the mixture into a piece of plastic wrap and form it into a ball. Place the cheese ball into the refrigerator for at least an hour to get firm.
STEP 6: When the cheeseball is set, spread the remaining bacon out on a place and roll the cheese ball over it completely coating the outside. Return it to the refrigerator until not long before you are ready to serve. It needs to sit at room temperature for a few minutes so that it is easier to spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Cheese Balls Have to Be Round?
While typically rolled into a ball, you can also roll the mixture into a log shape. This form makes it easy for everyone to cut off a slice getting a nice amount of the cream cheese mixture along with the coating and it stays more presentable when serving to a crowd.
You could also make individual sized balls so that guests can grab their own mini cheese balls to put on their plate.
Does the Cream Cheese Have to Be Whipped?
If you don’t have a mixer or would prefer to skip this step, make sure that the cream cheese is completely softened before blending in the other ingredients. Whipping the ingredient makes it easier to get a creamy texture and mix the ingredients thoroughly, but the step can be skipped.
What Can You Serve with the Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball?
This spread is perfect for serving on your favorite crackers, veggies like celery sticks, pretzels, or anything else you think would be enhanced by the bacon ranch combo.
Whether for a party or just an evening snack at home, this Bacon Ranch cheese ball is a delicious treat to enjoy.
Other Recipes You Might Want to Try
Olive Pecan Cheese Log
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wings
Grilled Turkey, Bacon, and Pepper Jack Sub
Not-So-Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip - A popular appetizer without all the heat.
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BACON RANCH CHEESE BALL
PRINT RECIPE
INGREDIENTS
- 3 1/2 tsp. of Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Mix (This is about half of a 1 oz. packet)
- 1 - 8 ounce package of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 strips of bacon
INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1: Cook bacon in a pan. Drain on a piece of paper towel and allow to cool. Then crumble into small bits.
STEP 2: In a small mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to whip the softened cream cheese for about one minute. This will give the cheese ball a creamy texture and eliminate any lumps.
STEP 3: Add the ranch seasoning and blend it into the cream cheese.
STEP 4: Fold in the shredded cheddar and half of the crumbled bacon until fully combined.
STEP 5: Spoon the cream cheese mixture out onto a piece of plastic wrap and then form it into a ball. Place the cheese ball into the refrigerator for at least an hour to get firm.
STEP 6: When the cheese ball is set, spread the remaining crumbled bacon out on a plate and roll the cheese ball over it completely coating the outside. Return it to the refrigerator until slightly before you're ready to serve.