Description
These Mini Bacon Ranch Cheeseballs are a delicious and easy no-cook appetizer featuring a creamy blend of cream cheese, cheddar, ranch seasoning, and green onions, rolled into bite-sized balls and coated with crispy bacon and chopped nuts. Perfect for parties and gatherings, they pair wonderfully with crackers for a savory snack that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (half for mixture)
Coating
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (remaining half)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Serving
- Crackers for serving
Instructions
- Combine Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing mix. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Green Onions and Bacon: Stir in the finely chopped green onions and half of the crumbled cooked bacon into the cheese mixture. Mix evenly to distribute the ingredients throughout.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes or until the mixture firms up enough to handle comfortably for rolling.
- Form Cheese Balls: After chilling, use your hands to roll the mixture into small, approximately 1-inch diameter balls.
- Prepare Coating: In a separate bowl, mix together the remaining crumbled bacon and chopped pecans or walnuts to create the coating mixture.
- Coat the Balls: Roll each cheese ball in the bacon and nut mixture, making sure each ball is completely coated for maximum flavor and texture.
- Set the Cheeseballs: Place the coated cheeseballs on a serving platter. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate again for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the coating to set firmly onto the balls.
- Serve: Serve chilled with your favorite crackers for a delicious and easy appetizer.
Notes
- To soften cream cheese quickly, leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
- Use pecans or walnuts interchangeably based on preference or availability.
- Prepare the bacon by cooking it until crisp and letting it cool before crumbling.
- Cheeseballs can be made up to a day ahead; keep refrigerated until serving.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.