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
Did you make this recipe?
Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.
hi do you have any sub for bacon to make it vegetarian?
Amanda, your recipe for the bacon ranch cheese ball sounds great, something I’d like to try for the holidays. Would you please email me the recipe? I don’t know how to save it. Am new at using a laptop.
Mary Lou, do you have paper and pen? You can jot the recipe down. That’s what was used before the electronically world we live in now. Just saying….
I’m thinking like diced red pepper?? Sweet red pepper. In place of bacon. This recipe sounds delicious!
I love all of your suggestions
I have not made these yet…but if they taste as good as they look they have got to be a winner!
Baking instructions?
These are served cold.
We have a pecan allergy. What can we use instead?
You can use any nut you want or omit.
Awesome thanks for sharing.🌻
Anxious to try these! I am always looking for new appetizer recipes, thank you!!!😀
How long are they good for in the fridge?
Can these be frozen???
Amazing, not any have tried the recipe that responded. I’m sure she impressed you want to try the recipe, but I believe it said have tried. Not one.
Very good receipt!!