This 5-ingredient Cream Cheese Ball Recipe is the ultimate party appetizer! Creamy ranch-seasoned cream cheese, cheddar and smoky bacon, all coated in crunchy pecans.
author’s note
I Didn’t Know What I Was Missing!
I have no idea how I’ve managed to share TWO dessert cheese balls on this site without ever sharing a savory one!
My Brownie Batter Cheeseball and Pumpkin Spice Cheeseball have been favorites for years, so it was definitely time to add a savory version.
And if I’m being completely honest, I think this one might be my favorite!
I wanted something really simple, with ingredients I could grab at any grocery store, but still packed with flavor. After putting together the combination of cream cheese, ranch seasoning, sharp cheddar and bacon, I knew it didn’t need much else.
Except toasted pecans! They add the BEST crunch and make the whole thing look a little fancy without any extra effort.
This is exactly the kind of appetizer I love for holiday parties. I can make it ahead, pop it in the fridge and forget about it until guests arrive. Add a few crackers and it’s ready to go!
What You’ll Need:
| Ingredient | Pro Tip / Swap |
|---|---|
| Cream Cheese | Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture in this cheese ball recipe. Let it soften completely or cube it first to speed up the process. |
| Ranch Seasoning | Use a store-bought packet or make your own with dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and dill. |
| Sharp Cheddar (freshly shredded) | Avoid pre-shredded cheese. Freshly shredded tastes and mixes better. |
| Bacon (crumbled) | Use pre-cooked bacon or bake in the oven for convenience. |
| Pecans (for coating) | Toast before chopping for more flavor. You can also use walnuts, pistachios, or seeds. |
How To Make This Cheese Ball Recipe
- Soften Cream Cheese: Let it sit out until smooth and easy to mix.
- Mix: Combine cream cheese, ranch seasoning, cheddar, bacon, and chives.
- Shape: Scoop onto plastic wrap and form into a ball.
- Chill: Refrigerate until firm, about 1–3 hours.
- Coat & Serve: Roll in chopped pecans and serve with crackers.
chelsea’s recipe tips
This cream cheese ball recipe is quick to make but needs a little planning. Let the cream cheese soften fully and chill the ball before adding pecans for the best texture.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers of this cream cheese ball recipe tightly covered in the fridge to keep it fresh.
- Freezing: You can freeze it, but texture may change. Wrap well, use within a month, and thaw in the fridge before serving.
More Delicious Dip Recipes:
Appetizers
Veggie Dip
Appetizers
Easy 7 Layer Bean Dip
Dressings
Loaded Baked Potato Dip
Appetizers
Spinach Artichoke Dip
Cream Cheese Ball Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese brick-style
- 1 (1-ounce) package ranch seasoning mix
- 2-1/2 cups freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup finely diced bacon
- 1/3 cup diced fresh chives optional
- 2/3 cup finely chopped pecans see note 1
Instructions
- About an hour before you start, set out the cream cheese to reach room temperature. This softening is important to avoid unpleasant chunks in the cheese ball. To speed up the process, cut the cream cheese into small cubes and spread them on a plate. Let it sit in a warm place for about 15–20 minutes.
- In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix until smooth. Add the shredded cheese and finely diced bacon; beat until just combined. Add in optional chives.
- Using a silicone spatula, scoop the mixture onto plastic wrap and form it into a ball. Tightly wrap and place in the fridge for 1–3 hours or until firm.
- Finely dice the pecans and place on a large tray with sides (see note 1). Remove the ball from the fridge and from the plastic wrap and roll in the chopped pecans. Gently press the pecans into the side as needed.
- Place the Cheese Ball on a large plate and serve it with your favorite crackers. Be sure to include a table knife, as crackers can break when pressed into the cheese ball.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
