Cheddar Ranch Cheese Ball Appetizer
This post may contain affiliate links.
There’s something special about a good, old-fashioned cheese ball. This Ranch Cheese ball is a fun and flavorful twist on a classic appetizer. Growing up, this brings back memories of holiday gatherings, potlucks, and picnics at my childhood home.
This festive cold dip appetizer is still a hit after all of these years, and I love that it comes together with just a few simple ingredients. It’s creamy, flavorful, and easy and fun to make.
As a productivity manager, I love finding little ways to make life easier, and easy recipes like this one are one of my favorite shortcuts. This is also a great make ahead appetizer, freeing up more time when you need it.
Why Try this Recipe
A blend of ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and herbs makes this ranch cheese ball a standout appetizer. Easy to prep and even easier to serve, seasoned cheese balls are perfect for potlucks, charcuterie platters and holiday trays.
Ranch Cheese Ball Ingredients
- Ranch Seasoning – I used the Trader Joe’s Ranch seasoning, but you could also use a packet of ranch salad dressing or a homemade ranch seasoning.
- Cream Cheese – The cheese should be at room temperature, for best results.
- Shredded Cheese – I used a blend of 2/3 Cheddar and 1/3 Monterey Jack. You can use all cheddar or a Cheddar Monterey or Cheddar Jack blend.
Note – This simple cheese ball is made without Worcestershire Sauce, but you could add it for extra flavor.
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- You can change up the seasoning a bit if you want.
- You can add green onions or chopped scallions for more flavor and texture.
- You can sub chopped walnuts, almonds, or crushed pretzels for the pecans.
Save The Recipe!
Add your email below and we’ll send it straight to your inbox+ you’ll receive all our newest recipes
How to Make an Old Fashioned Cheese Ball
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: In a medium bowl, cream cheese and sour cream. Add remaining ingredients, reserving some some cheese and bacon.
Step 2: Mix until combined and form dip into a ball.
Step 3: Sprinkle some cheese and bacon on a piece of wax paper.
Step 4: Place the dip ball on top of the cheese and bacon mixture. Wrap around the ball with wax paper.
Step 5: Chill ball in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes. Serve with chips on a platter.
Timesaving Tips
- Soften the cream cheese before mixing to save you some time.
- Use a hand mixer if you want an extra-smooth texture, especially if your cheddar is finely shredded.
- Wrap the cheese ball in wax paper (or plastic wrap) before chilling to help it firm up and keep its shape.
- Let it sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving so it spreads more easily.
What to Make Next
If you loved this retro recipe, try my Beau Monde Appetizer dip or my Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing – both are full of seasoned Ranch flavor.
More Easy Appetizers
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Ranch Cheese Ball
Equipment
- 1 sharp knife
- cheese grater
- Wax paper
- serving platter
Ingredients
- 2 8 oz blocks Cream cheese room temperature
- 10 slices Bacon, cooked chopped
- 1/4 cup Sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups Cheddar Cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 2 tablespoons Ranch Seasoning
- 1/4 cup Pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Chop cooked bacon and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, onion powder, one cup of the shredded cheese and 3/4 of the bacon bits.
- Mix until blended and form mixture into a single ball with a spoon
- On a piece of wax paper, Sprinkle remain gin cheese, bacon and dried parsley. Place the cheese ball in the center of the wax paper and pull up the sides of the wax paper to coat the outside of the ball.
- Chill until ready to serve or serve immediately.
- Serve with crackers, pretzels or pita chips.
If you are not yet subscribing to my CELEBRATE THE SEASON newsletter, you can subscribe here. I share easy recipes for the season that the entire family is sure to love and also a few things that I don’t share here.
Such a fun retro recipe and very good!