Description
A party-favorite cheese ball loaded with sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and crunchy pecans. This irresistible appetizer earns its name from being so addictive you’ll keep coming back for more!
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6 slices)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans (for coating)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional add-ins: ¼ cup diced jalapeños or 1 tbsp hot sauce
Instructions
- Mix Base: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Stir in cheddar, ¼ cup bacon, ranch seasoning, and spices.
- Shape: Form into 2 balls or logs. Wrap in plastic and chill 1 hour.
- Coat: Roll in pecans mixed with remaining bacon and chives.
- Serve: Garnish with extra chives. Pair with crackers, veggies, or pretzels.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Keeps refrigerated for 1 week or frozen for 2 months
- Spice Control: Omit jalapeños for mild version
- Nut-Free: Use crushed pretzels or everything bagel seasoning instead
- Presentation: Shape into a football for game day or wreath for holidays
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg