Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Bites
These Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Bites combine the irresistible flavors of sharp cheese, savory bacon, and zesty ranch in bite-sized portions. Perfect for holiday parties, gatherings, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's easy to prepare but impressive to serve.
Equipment
- Electric Mixer
- Mixing Bowl
- Cookie Scoop
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese softened at room temperature
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese finely shredded
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix 1 oz
- 8 strips bacon cooked crispy and crumbled (reserve 2 tbsp for coating)
- 3 green onions finely chopped (reserve 1 tbsp for coating)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup pecans toasted and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 24-30 pretzel sticks or small crackers for serving
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat for 2-3 minutes until smooth and well integrated.
- Fold in the ranch seasoning packet, crumbled bacon (reserving 2 tablespoons for coating), chopped green onions (reserving 1 tablespoon for garnish), garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the mixture.
- While the cheese mixture chills, combine the toasted chopped pecans, reserved bacon crumbles, reserved green onions, and chopped parsley in a shallow dish.
- Remove the cheese mixture from the refrigerator. Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop or measuring spoon, portion out the mixture and roll between your hands to form smooth balls. Pro tip: Slightly dampen your hands with cold water to prevent sticking.
- Roll each cheese ball in the coating mixture, pressing gently to ensure the toppings adhere well. Place the coated cheese balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
- Return the cheese balls to the refrigerator for at least another 30 minutes to firm up completely.
- Just before serving, insert a pretzel stick into each cheese ball to create an easy-to-grab appetizer. Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy!
Notes
- These cheese ball bites can be refrigerated for up to 5 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
- Add the pretzel sticks only right before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- You can freeze the uncoated cheese balls for up to 1 month. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then coat and add pretzel sticks before serving.
- For a lighter version, use light cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar, or substitute Greek yogurt for half the cream cheese.
- For a vegetarian option, replace the bacon with sun-dried tomatoes and add a dash of liquid smoke.
Nutrition
Calories: 112kcalCarbohydrates: 1.5gProtein: 4.2gFat: 10.5gSaturated Fat: 5.2gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 218mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 0.5g
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