Homemade Cheese Ball

why make this recipe

This cheese ball is quick, crowd-pleasing, and needs little work. It makes a nice snack for parties, game days, or a simple appetizer at home. You can make it ahead and keep it cold until guests arrive.

introduction

This homemade cheese ball mixes cream cheese, cheddar, bacon bits, and Ranch seasoning. It tastes rich and salty. Chill it so it firms up and gets a good texture. If you like easy party bites, try a similar no-bake snack such as these blueberry cheesecake protein balls for a sweet option.

how to make Homemade Cheese Ball

1. Soften the cream cheese so it mixes easily.
2. Stir in shredded cheddar, bacon bits, and Ranch seasoning until the mix is even.
3. Shape the mix into a round ball with clean hands or a spoon.
4. Roll the ball in chopped nuts or parsley if you want a coating.
5. Wrap it tight in plastic wrap and chill at least 2 hours so it firms.

Ingredients :

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup bacon bits
• 1 package Ranch seasoning mix
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
• Chopped nuts or parsley for coating (optional)

Directions :

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and Ranch seasoning. Mix until well blended.
2. Shape the cheese mixture into a ball.
3. If desired, roll the cheese ball in chopped nuts or parsley for added flavor and decoration.
4. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
5. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables.

how to serve Homemade Cheese Ball

Place the cheese ball on a serving plate. Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh veggies like carrots and celery. Cut into wedges or let guests spread it on crackers. Bring it out cold so it stays firm.

how to store Homemade Cheese Ball

Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Do not leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

tips to make Homemade Cheese Ball

• Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to soften.
• Mix well so flavors spread evenly.
• Chill at least 2 hours; overnight is better for firm texture.
• Use a bowl of cold water to wet your hands when shaping to keep the cheese from sticking.

variation (if any)

• No-bacon: Leave out bacon and add extra green onions or diced bell pepper for crunch.
• Savory herbs: Mix in chopped chives, dill, or parsley.
• Spicy: Add a small amount of hot sauce or chopped jalapeño.
• Cheeses: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or smoked gouda for a different taste.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the cheese ball a day ahead?
A: Yes. Make it the day before and keep it wrapped in the fridge. It will taste better after time to chill.

Q: Can I freeze the cheese ball?
A: You can freeze it, but the texture may change. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Q: What can I use instead of bacon bits?
A: Use cooked and chopped bacon, diced ham, or omit meat and add extra vegetables or nuts.

Q: Is Ranch seasoning necessary?
A: It adds a lot of flavor, but you can use garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper if you do not have Ranch mix.

Homemade Cheese Ball

• Author: arianarecipes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 120 minutes
• Total Time: 135 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-bake
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

A crowd-pleasing cheese ball made with cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon bits, perfect for parties.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup bacon bits
• 1 package Ranch seasoning mix
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
• Chopped nuts or parsley for coating (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and Ranch seasoning. Mix until well blended.
2. Shape the cheese mixture into a ball.
3. If desired, roll the cheese ball in chopped nuts or parsley for added flavor and decoration.
4. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

---

Notes

Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh veggies like carrots and celery. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Homemade Cheese Ball

• Author: arianarecipes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 120 minutes
• Total Time: 135 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-bake
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

A crowd-pleasing cheese ball made with cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon bits, perfect for parties.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup bacon bits
• 1 package Ranch seasoning mix
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
• Chopped nuts or parsley for coating (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and Ranch seasoning. Mix until well blended.
2. Shape the cheese mixture into a ball.
3. If desired, roll the cheese ball in chopped nuts or parsley for added flavor and decoration.
4. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

---

Notes

Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh veggies like carrots and celery. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 30mg