Description
Mini Bacon Ranch Cheeseballs are a flavorful, bite-sized snack combining creamy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, smoky crispy bacon, and tangy ranch seasoning. Perfect for parties, casual snacking, or any occasion, these cheeseballs are simple to prepare, customizable, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crispy bacon bits
- 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives
- Additional bacon bits (for rolling)
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, ranch seasoning, and finely chopped green onions. Stir well until evenly blended into a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Fold in bacon bits: Gently fold crispy bacon bits into the cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution for a smoky, crunchy texture in every bite.
- Shape the cheeseballs: Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into bite-sized balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined tray as you go.
- Chill the cheeseballs: Refrigerate the tray for at least 30 minutes to firm up the cheeseballs, making them easier to handle and enhancing flavor melding.
- Add final garnish: Before serving, roll the chilled cheeseballs in chopped fresh parsley, chives, or additional bacon bits for an appealing finish and extra flavor.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother, creamier texture.
- Cook bacon until crispy to avoid soggy cheeseballs.
- Chill cheeseballs properly to help them hold shape and intensify flavor.
- Prepare a day in advance to let flavors mature and save time.
- Taste the mixture before shaping; adjust ranch seasoning, salt, or pepper as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for bacon)
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No baking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cheeseballs
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: mini cheeseballs, bacon, ranch seasoning, appetizer, party snack, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, easy recipe, savory snack
