Quite possibly one of the most fun appetizers to serve! Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Bites are finger-lickin good! We often make a bunch of appetizers to serve for a meal and this one always makes the cut. This one, Bacon Jalapeno Poppers, Sausage Jalapeno Poppers, and Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms are the most requested!
Cheese Balls
Who doesn’t love a cheese ball stuffed with every amazing flavor known to man? Not only do these happen to be a perfect size, but they have the most amazing flavor. Bacon, ranch seasoning, and of course cheese!
These cheese balls are more of a “cheese ball bite”, meaning that they are much smaller than the average cheese ball. You can easily pop one in your mouth or grab your favorite cracker. Try my Classic Cheese Ball, Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball, and Shrimp Cheese Ball for more delicious appetizers!
What to Serve With Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Bites
There is no wrong here, but my kids loved Ritz crackers best. Something about the salty bacon and cool and creamy cheeses paired with a buttery cracker was so delicious! We also enjoyed pretzel crackers, pretzels, and toasted bread (crostini). You could also make some parmesan crisps and serve the cheese ball bites on top!
Can I Make This into One Cheese Ball?
Yes! Instead of 16 bite-sized portions, just mold the cream cheese mixture into one giant ball. Cover with the bacon coating and chill until ready to serve.
How to Store Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Bites
Store any leftover cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These will last up to a week. However, the nuts may not be as crunchy the longer they are stored.
More Appetizers
Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Bites
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (113 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon (about half a packet) dry ranch seasoning mix
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ⅓ cup (16 g) fresh chives, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup (36 g) pecans, finely chopped
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, and ranch seasoning.
- Form the cheese mixture into 16 small balls (about 1 tablespoon each) and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
- In a small bowl or on a plate, combine bacon, chives, and pecans.
- Roll the cheese balls in bacon, chive, pecan mixture.
- Serve. If not immediately serving, loosely cover with plastic wrap and put in the refrigerator. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
Video
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Hi, I don’t love nuts in most things. Could I substitute black olives for the nuts?
I think the black olives might be too wet and soft to coat the cream cheese mixture. (They might be amazing IN the filling though!) You could try a sturdy cracker that is crumbled or pumpkin or sunflower seeds, but I have not tested that for flavor.
Do you have a sausage ball recipe? I love your recipes❤
These were inedible because the use of an entire package of ranch mix. Everyone had same comment- overload on the ranch. They ended up in the garbage, sadly. Id use 1-2 T. at the most!
A 1-ounce package is about 3 tablespoons in total. Did you happen to purchase a larger package? Then yes, it would be overwhelming.
I can’t wait to start receiving your great recipes. They sound delicious. Thank you.
New to this but interested.
how many carbs
Very nice 👍 madam
Love your recipes I trying them all the time
What is a dry ranch mix please live in Guernsey Uk.
Judy, you can try making this:
https://iamhomesteader.com/homemade-ranch-seasoning-mix/