Ranch and Bacon Cheese Ball

LisaA's Note:

My family loves this recipe. My husband has fought his brother and sister for leftover cheese ball.

• Total Time: 10 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 24

Yield: 1.0 cheese ...

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
• 1 (1 ounce) package hidden valley ranch dressing mix (dry)
• 1 cup shredded colby or 1 cup colby-monterey jack cheese or 1 cup cheddar cheese
• 1 (3 ounce) bottle hormel real bacon bits (or use bacon crumbled)

Directions:

1. Take 2 packages of cream cheese (softened) and mix till slightly whipped.
2. Add packet of ranch dressing and mix till incorporated.
3. Fold in 1 cup shredded cheese.
4. Pour bacon bits in a plate or pie tin.
5. Form cream cheese mixture in to a ball with your hands.
6. Roll ball in bacon bits till covered. Wrap cheese ball in plastic wrap and place in the fridge.
7. When cheese ball feels firm, remove and serve with crackers.

Reviews

[Marg (CaymanDesigns)]

Our whole family really enjoyed this cheese ball for Christmas. I prepared as written except to make two smaller balls rather than one large one. I'm saving the second one for New Years. I should have bought 2 jars of bacon crumbles though. I had to use chopped walnuts on the second one. My husband is the big ranch lover in the house and he felt the ranch flavor was a bit weak. We all thought having it rolled in bacon was a fantastic idea. I plan on using it as my coating for savory cheese balls from now on. Thanks for sharing!

[specialbekah]

An entire packet of ranch mix is too much. I used bulk ranch dressing mix and just one tablespoon and it wasn't quite so salty. Otherwise, this recipe is EXCELLENT. I thought I wasn't going to be able to make cheese balls since they are usually coated in nuts and my kids are allergic. Bacon! brilliant!

[Chef #356764]

I can't believe I haven't written a review of this yet. I have made it several times, and it is easy and great. Always a hit! Thanks for sharing!