Description
Remember those cheese balls your mom used to make for every holiday gathering? Well, we took that nostalgic goodness and gave it a serious glow-up. These Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Bites are everything you loved about the classic, but in perfectly portioned, pop-in-your-mouth spheres that are basically impossible to resist. We’re talking cream cheese heaven loaded with ranch flavor, studded with crispy bacon bits, and rolled in even MORE bacon because why the hell not? They’re like little handheld clouds of comfort that disappear faster than your New Year’s resolutions. Fair warning: people will literally fight over the last one, so maybe make a double batch and save yourself the drama.
Ingredients
For the Cheese Ball Base:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened (don’t skip this step or you’ll hate your life)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
- 1/4 cup chives, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Coating:
- 12 strips bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- 1/2 cup extra sharp cheddar, shredded
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
For Serving:
- Crackers (Ritz, water crackers, or whatever makes you happy)
- Fresh vegetables if you want to pretend this is healthy
- More bacon bits because people are greedy
Instructions
Step 1: Bacon Prep (The Most Important Step) Cook your bacon until it’s perfectly crispy — we’re talking shatter-when-you-touch-it crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces. Try not to eat all of it while you’re working. I’m not judging, but save some for the recipe.
Step 2: Mix the Magic In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s fluffy and smooth. Add sour cream, ranch packet, Worcestershire, and all the seasonings. Mix until combined, then fold in the shredded cheddar, chives, and about half of your bacon bits.
Step 3: Taste Test (Quality Control) This is crucial. Taste the mixture and adjust — more ranch? More bacon? More cheese? You’re the boss here. It should taste like the best ranch dip you’ve ever had, but thicker.
Step 4: Chill Out Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to roll. This step is non-negotiable — warm cheese mixture is impossible to work with.
Step 5: Roll Call Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect — rustic is charming.
Step 6: Coat and Conquer Mix your remaining bacon bits with the extra cheddar and chives. Roll each ball in this mixture, pressing gently so it sticks. They should look like little bacon-studded gems.
Step 7: Final Chill Pop them back in the fridge for another 30 minutes to firm up. Then serve and watch people lose their minds.
Notes
- Arrange on a platter with an assortment of crackers
- Serve alongside fresh vegetables for the health-conscious guests
- Drizzle with a little melted cheese or ranch for extra indulgence
- Pair with a crisp white wine or cold beer
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~85 Per Bite
- Protein: ~3g Per Bite