This Cheese Ball recipe is the ultimate party starter, and trust me, I’ve made it over a dozen times! It’s creamy, loaded with flavor, and always the first thing to disappear at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a game day bash or a holiday dinner, this easy cheese ball will quickly become a crowd favorite. Let’s dive into the easiest, most delicious appetizer you’ll ever make!
Obsessed with cheesy appetizers and snacks? Honestly, same. Here are some of my other go-to options: Beer Cheese Dip with One Ingredient Pretzel Bites and Spinach Artichoke Dip. I could easily eat all of those on my own, but they’re also great for sharing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: Only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this recipe quick and easy.
- Make-ahead friendly: The flavors get better as it chills, making it perfect for prepping in advance.
- Tested and loved: I’ve made this recipe over a dozen times, so it’s tried, true, and delicious!
“I love it! It was quick and easy.”
– Carol
This is the best cheese ball recipe. It is one of those crowd-pleasers that just gets better the longer it sits. The flavors from the creamy cheese, savory bacon, and zesty ranch really meld together overnight, making it even more irresistible by the time you’re ready to serve. Trust me, after making it over a dozen times, I can tell you—it’s the first thing to disappear at every party!
Whether you’re hosting a game day get-together, a holiday feast, or just need a quick and easy dip, this 6-ingredient cheese ball delivers every single time. Make it ahead, let those flavors hang out, and watch everyone fight over the last bite. You might want to make a second one, just in case!
PS- want even more flavor? Try adding bacon and jalapeno to this recipe for a jalapeno popper cheese ball or some seasoning for an everything cheese ball that is out of this world delicious.
Ingredient You’ll Need
Another winning part of this simple cheese ball recipe is the tiny ingredient list! You only need SIX ingredients! Even better? It takes less than 10 minutes to put together.
- Cream Cheese: When making a cheese ball, it is best to use regular full-fat cream cheese. The creamy texture and mild flavor of regular cream cheese allow it to blend well with other ingredients and create a smooth, delicious cheese ball. Avoid using low-fat or non-fat cream cheese, as they may result in a less creamy and less flavorful outcome.
- Cheddar Cheese: I like to shred my own cheese, but pre shredded works too.
- Ranch Dressing Seasoning: My secret ingredient that takes this cheese ball from good to great.
- Sour Cream: This not only thins the cream cheese slightly to make it perfect for dipping, but also adds a delightful tang that pairs amazingly well with the dressing.
- Bacon: Yes. Bacon. I like to cook my own and crumble, however we’ve recently discovered that Costco sells bacon crumbles that are equally delicious and save on prep.
- Green Onion: This adds a mild onion flavor that complements the creaminess of the cheese.
For a full list of ingredients and their measurements see the recipe card below.
Variations and Substitutions
This bacon ranch cheese ball is a classic, but there are so many fun ways to mix it up and make it your own! Here are some tasty variations to try:
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce for a cheese ball with some heat!
- Herb Lover’s Delight: Toss in fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives to give your cheese ball a bright, fresh flavor.
- Nutty Coating: Try rolling your cheese ball in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a deliciously crunchy outer layer.
- Sweet and Savory: Mix in dried cranberries or apricots for a surprising pop of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory cheese.
- Mexican-Inspired: Swap in taco seasoning, pepper jack cheese, and a sprinkle of cilantro for a cheese ball with south-of-the-border vibes.
These variations add fun and flavor to an already crowd-pleasing recipe. Customize it to suit your party theme or your cravings!
How To Make A Cheese Ball Recipe
Because this bacon cheese ball is SO easy, you really can’t mess it up. Just follow the simple instructions. However, I do have a few tips and tricks for making this even better down below.
- Prepare: Pull out a piece of plastic wrap and place on a work surfaces to be used later. Pro tip, you can place this into a bowl to help get that round shape.
- Mix Ingredients: Combine all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl. Stir until fully incorporated.
- Shape the Ball: Transfer the cheese mixture directly onto the plastic wrap. Use the wrap to help form into a ball.
- Chill and Enjoy: Chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until ready to serve. This is key to helping give time for those flavors to blend together and makes the cheese ball a 10/10.
Optional: You can always roll the cheese ball in toasted pecans or bacon crumbles. We opted out of this option due to a nut allergy.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
This cheese ball recipe is perfect for making ahead! In fact, the flavor only gets better with time. Prepare the cheese ball up to 2 days in advance, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
For leftovers, keep the cheese ball wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. If the outer layer becomes a bit soft, you can always roll it in some fresh chopped nuts or bacon before serving again!
Unfortunately, this recipe does not freeze well due to the texture change of the cream cheese after thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Helpful Tools
- Mixing Bowls: I love this set of mixing bowls with lids (affiliate). They stack together which makes them super convenient to store and have so many sizes included.
- Airtight Container: Test out this set of bowls with lids (affiliate). Perfect sized and one of my most-used kitchen items!
- Silicone Spatulas: If I can only recommend one kitchen tool, it would be a set of silicone spatulas (affiliate). These are so versatile and used daily in our kitchen. Great for baking AND cooking.
Recipe Notes:
Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This makes it easier to combine with the other ingredients and results in a smoother texture.
Chill for Best Flavor: After forming the cheese ball, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight). The flavors really meld together and intensify the longer it sits.
Shape with Ease: Use plastic wrap to help form the cheese ball into a perfect round shape without getting messy hands. Simply scoop the mixture into the center of the wrap and twist the ends to form a ball.
Switch Up the Coating: Try rolling the cheese ball in different coatings for added texture and flavor. Crushed pecans, walnuts, or even crushed pretzels can add a nice crunch.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, be careful not to overmix the cheese ball. Overmixing can make it too soft and lose its structure when forming.
Room Temperature Serving: Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. This makes it easier to spread and brings out the flavors.
Recipe FAQs:
A cheese ball will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the cheese ball with ingredients like chopped jalapeños for spice, dried cranberries for sweetness, or blue cheese for a tangier flavor.
If your cheese ball mixture is too soft, chill it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before shaping. This will firm it up and make it easier to handle.
Freezing is not recommended, as the cream cheese can become grainy after thawing, affecting the texture and flavor. It’s best to enjoy it fresh within a few days.
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Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese
- 1 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (1oz) ranch dressing mix packet
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 5 pieces bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2-3 tablespoons green onion chopped
Instructions
- Start by placing the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, sour cream, bacon bits, and chopped green onions into a large mixing bowl.
- Use a spatula or spoon to stir everything together until the ingredients are fully mixed and smooth. Make sure there are no large chunks of cream cheese remaining.
- Lay a large piece of plastic wrap inside a bowl. The bowl helps keep the shape as you work with the cheese mixture.
- Transfer the cheese mixture from the mixing bowl into the plastic wrap-lined bowl. Use the plastic wrap to gently lift and shape the cheese mixture into a round ball. You can do this by pulling the edges of the plastic wrap up and around the mixture, gently pressing it into shape as you go.
- Once shaped, leave the cheese ball wrapped in the plastic and place it in the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours. Chilling allows the flavors to come together and the cheese to firm up, making it easier to serve. For best results, let it chill overnight.
- When ready to serve, unwrap the cheese ball and place it on a serving plate. You can roll it in crushed nuts, bacon, or herbs for an extra finishing touch if desired.
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Comments & Reviews
Donna Smith says
I have made this cheeseball several times. it always disappears. it’s great. The only change is to double the bacon. I roll finished cheeseball in chopped pecans, shredded cheese or chopped green onions.
Jesseca says
Thanks, Donna! I love hearing that it’s a hit every time—doubling the bacon is definitely a pro move! Rolling it in pecans, cheese, or green onions sounds amazing too. You’re basically a cheese ball master at this point!
Margarita Kardashian says
The cheese ball was delicious I stuffed sweet peppers with this mixture and it was a hit!!!! Thanks for the simple yet tasty recipe!!!!!
Sharaden says
My mother-in-law made this for Christmas and man it was absolutely delicious. My husband’s brothers girlfriend took so much home and so did I !! Will definitely be making this soon!!
Jesseca says
That’s amazing to hear, Sharaden! Sounds like it was a hit with the whole family. Love that it’s already making its way into your recipe rotation—can’t wait to hear how it turns out when you make it!
Pam says
Made it exactly as it says. It has a funny after taste. I will be making something else
Jesseca says
Thank you for your feedback, Pam! I’m sorry to hear it didn’t turn out as expected. The ranch seasoning can sometimes vary by brand, which might affect the flavor. If you decide to give it another try, you could experiment with a different brand or even homemade ranch mix. I appreciate you giving the recipe a go!
Tammy says
Hi,
I love the recipe and followed it exactly but mine tastes a bit too salty. Is there anything I can do to tone down the saltiness?
Thank you!
Jesseca says
Hi Tammy, thanks for giving the recipe a try! The ranch seasoning and bacon can definitely add to the saltiness. Next time, you could try using only half the ranch seasoning and adjust to taste. To fix the current batch, you can mix in a bit more cream cheese to balance it out. Hope that helps!
Norita says
It is amazing but as most people would say I like my family recipe better than this one for obvious reasons.
Jesseca says
Thanks so much for giving it a try! Totally get that family recipes hold a special place in the heart (and stomach!). But hey, glad to know mine came close to giving the family favorite a little competition!
Linda says
Can these be made ahead and frozen?
Jesseca says
Absolutely, you can freeze a cheese ball! It’s a great way to extend its shelf life and have a tasty snack ready for unexpected guests or late-night cravings. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or a freezer-safe bag to avoid freezer burn. Remember though, the texture might change a bit once thawed – it could be a tad crumblier. But flavor-wise, you’re still in for a treat! Perfect for those moments when you need a quick, delicious nibble.
Peggy King says
Made the cheeseball tonight for my grand daughters birthday party tomorrow. Really easy and taste so good.
Jesseca says
Hi Peggy, I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe! It’s actually going to taste even better tomorrow. As it sits overnight the flavors blend together giving you the most amazing flavor. I hope everyone at the party enjoys it!
Carol says
I love it
It was quick and easy
I tried to roll it everything seasoning
because my friend is allergic to nuts
It is perfect
Thank you
Jesseca says
What a wonderful idea to roll it in everything seasoning! I’ll have to give that a try.
Doris hinshaw says
U can roll the cheese ball in equal amount of chili pepper and paprika cover the he whole cheese ball in this also grate amounts of fresh garlic in the ball mixture our family love this
Jesseca says
Hi Doris, that sounds like an interesting version of this recipe. I’ll have to give it a try!
Presley says
Hi! This recipe was very good but I can’t lie I’m a little confused about the calories. Is one serving 315 calories? Because the ball is most definitely not 24 grams so therefore 1 gram couldn’t be 315 calories? Or am I just silly.
Jesseca says
Hi Presley, I am so sorry about that! There was definitely something off with the calorie count. I recently switched recipe cards and it looks like something messed up in the transfer. I just recalculated and believe this is more true to the correct count.
Granite State Confusion says
It is probably just me but the The Best Cheese Ball recipe is a little confusing. It calls for
1-3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 1oz ranch dressing mix packet
Do I add 1 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese or do I add (1) 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese? For the 1 1oz ranch dressing mix packet, do I add (1) 1oz of ranch dressing mix or?
Thank you in advance
Jesseca says
The recipe is fairly straightforward. It’s 1 and 3/4 cup of cheese plus one 1oz packet of ranch seasoning.
Granite State Confusion says
Thank you Jessica for the clarifications to both of my questions as well as, thank you for making the slight measurement clarifications to both of the ingredients in the recipe itself. Happy New Year!
Jesseca says
Happy New Year!
Dawn says
Hi. Thanks for your recipe. I haven’t tried it yet but am looking forward to it. Do you know if this can be frozen for later?
Thanks! Dawn
Jesseca says
Hi Dawn, according to a little online research, you should be able to freeze a cheese ball. From what I read, the best way to do this is to wrap the cheese ball in a layer of plastic wrap and a layer of foil. When you are ready to use it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
I hope this helps.