Description
Pioneer woman bacon ranch cheese ball combines creamy cream cheese with crispy bacon and zesty ranch seasoning. Guests will love this easy appetizer that pairs perfectly with crackers or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 slices bacon
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, cut into small pieces
- 8 oz (226 g) white cheddar cheese, grated (about 2 cups)
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) sour cream
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) ranch seasoning (half of a 1-oz/28 g packet)
- 5 scallions, white parts finely chopped and green parts sliced
- Cooking spray
- Crackers, for serving
Instructions
- Bacon Preparation: Sizzle bacon in a skillet over medium heat until achieving a crisp, golden-brown texture. Transfer to paper towels, allowing complete grease drainage.
- Cheese Mixture Creation: Combine cream cheese, white cheddar, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and chopped white scallions in a food processor. Blend whole bacon slices into the mixture until smooth and uniform.
- Coating Technique: Spread chopped bacon and sliced green scallions on a preparation plate. Using lightly sprayed hands, shape the cheese mixture into a sphere, carefully rolling to ensure comprehensive coverage with the bacon-scallion garnish.
- Chilling Process: Refrigerate the cheese ball for a minimum of 1 hour, allowing flavors to meld and texture to firm. For optimal results, can be chilled up to 8 hours.
- Serving Preparation: Remove cheese ball from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to reach a softened consistency. Arrange on a platter with an assortment of crackers, presenting an irresistible appetizer that promises to delight guests.
Notes
- Crisp Bacon Perfectly: Cook bacon slowly over medium heat to achieve a golden-brown texture without burning, ensuring maximum flavor and crunch.
- Chill for Optimal Texture: Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 1 hour, but up to 8 hours allows flavors to meld and creates a firmer, more spreadable consistency.
- Smooth Mixing Technique: Use a food processor to blend ingredients thoroughly, creating a creamy, uniform texture that prevents lumpy or uneven cheese mixture.
- Serve at Right Temperature: Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly, making it easier to spread and enhancing overall taste experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg