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Cheddar Ranch Cheese Ball

Cheddar Ranch Cheese Ball is a creamy, orange-cheddar snack shaped into a round ball and rolled in pecans, bacon, and parsley. Chill it until firm, then serve with crackers and pretzels for an easy party-ready appetizer.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
chilling 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 330
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cream cheese base
  • 16 oz cream cheese Softened for easy mixing.
  • 2 cup shredded sharp cheddar
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning Use the full packet.
  • 2 green onions Finely sliced.
  • 6 bacon Cooked and finely crumbled.
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley Chopped; reserve a little if desired for topping.
Coating and serving
  • 0.75 cup pecans Finely chopped.
  • Crackers and pretzels for serving For serving.

Equipment

  • 1 none

Method
 

Mix the cheese ball base
  1. Beat the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, ranch seasoning, and finely sliced green onions until well combined, with a smooth orange-tinted mixture and no dry seasoning pockets.
Shape and chill
  1. Shape the mixture into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap, forming an even round with clean edges.
  2. Chill for 2 hours until firm, so the ball holds its shape when unwrapped.
Coat with bacon-pecan mixture
  1. Combine the cooked and finely crumbled bacon, finely chopped pecans, and chopped parsley on a plate.
  2. Unwrap the chilled ball and roll it in the coating, pressing firmly so the bacon-pecan mixture sticks on all sides.
Rest and serve
  1. Let sit 10 minutes at room temperature so the center softens slightly for easier scooping.
  2. Serve with crackers and pretzels for scooping and portioning.

Notes

Pro tip: For the cleanest roll, press the coating in small sections, rotating the ball as you go. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days; freeze is not recommended due to texture changes. Dietary swap: use reduced-fat cream cheese if you want a lighter version while keeping the same ranch-cheddar flavor.