Mohamed Shili This tasty Pioneer Woman Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball is prepared using bacon, cream cheese, white cheddar cheese, sour cream, and scallions. This easy Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball recipe is a perfect appetizer that takes about 88 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 8 people.
Pioneer Woman Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon
- 8 oz. cream cheese, cut into small pieces
- 8 oz. white cheddar cheese, grated (about 2 cups)
- 2 tbsp. sour cream
- 1 tbsp. ranch seasoning (half of a 1-oz. packet)
- 5 scallions, white parts finely chopped and green parts sliced
- Cooking spray
- Crackers, for serving
How To Make Pioneer Woman Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 6 to 8 minutes. Then, drain it on paper towels to remove excess grease.
- Cool and Chop Bacon: Allow the bacon to cool, then finely chop 6 slices, leaving 2 slices whole for the cheese mixture.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a food processor, combine the cream cheese, white cheddar cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and the finely chopped white parts of the scallions. Add the 2 whole slices of cooked bacon. Process until well combined, which should take about 30 seconds.
- Prepare the Coating: On a plate, mix the chopped bacon with the sliced green parts of the scallions, spreading the mixture out evenly.
- Form the Cheese Ball: Scoop the cheese mixture onto the plate with the bacon-scallion mixture. Spray your hands with cooking spray and shape the mixture into a ball. Roll and press the ball in the bacon-scallion mixture until it is evenly coated.
- Chill the Cheese Ball: Place the cheese ball in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour. You can leave it to chill for up to 8 hours.
- Serve: Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite crackers for a delicious appetizer.
Recipe Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth, well-combined mixture.
- Grate Your Cheese Fresh: Grate the white cheddar cheese yourself for better texture and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Double the Recipe for Parties: If serving a larger crowd, double the recipe to ensure everyone gets a taste of the delicious cheese ball.
- Customize with Herbs: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the coating mixture for an extra burst of flavor and color.
What To Serve With Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
Serve your easy Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball with garlic herb pita chips, roasted vegetable crudités, spicy jalapeño corn muffins, smoked paprika almond crackers, or sun-dried tomato crostini.
You can also pair it with honey-drizzled fig slices, rosemary Parmesan breadsticks, and balsamic-glazed Brussels sprouts bites.
How To Store Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
To Refrigerate: Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to keep it away from strong-smelling foods.
To Freeze: Unfortunately, this cheese ball does not freeze well. Freezing can alter the texture of the cheese and make it crumbly and less appetizing when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the cheese ball mixture is too soft?
If the cheese ball mixture is too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping it into a ball. This will firm up the mixture, making it easier to handle and ensuring it holds its shape when rolled in the bacon-scallion coating.
How do I prevent the cheese ball from sticking to my hands?
Spray your hands with cooking spray before shaping the cheese mixture into a ball. This will prevent the cheese mixture from sticking to your hands, making it easier to form a smooth and even cheese ball.
Pioneer Woman Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 550mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 3g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 11g
Check out More Recipes From Pioneer Woman:
Pioneer Woman Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
Description
This tasty Pioneer Woman Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball is prepared using bacon, cream cheese, white cheddar cheese, sour cream, and scallions. This easy Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball recipe is a perfect appetizer that takes about 88 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 8 people.
Pioneer Woman Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Ingredients
How To Make Pioneer Woman Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, about 6 to 8 minutes. Then, drain it on paper towels to remove excess grease.
- Cool and Chop Bacon: Allow the bacon to cool, then finely chop 6 slices, leaving 2 slices whole for the cheese mixture.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a food processor, combine the cream cheese, white cheddar cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and the finely chopped white parts of the scallions. Add the 2 whole slices of cooked bacon. Process until well combined, which should take about 30 seconds.
- Prepare the Coating: On a plate, mix the chopped bacon with the sliced green parts of the scallions, spreading the mixture out evenly.
- Form the Cheese Ball: Scoop the cheese mixture onto the plate with the bacon-scallion mixture. Spray your hands with cooking spray and shape the mixture into a ball. Roll and press the ball in the bacon-scallion mixture until it is evenly coated.
- Chill the Cheese Ball: Place the cheese ball in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour. You can leave it to chill for up to 8 hours.
- Serve: Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite crackers for a delicious appetizer.
