???? Mini Bacon Ranch Cheeseballs … The Perfect Party Appetizer!

Looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer? These Mini Bacon Ranch Cheeseballs are creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky bacon & ranch flavor!

Perfect for parties, holidays, or game nights, these bite-sized cheeseballs are easy to make and guaranteed to impress your guests! ????????????

Let’s get started!


❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in 15 minutes with simple ingredients.
No Baking Required: Just mix, roll, and chill!
Perfect for Parties: A great make-ahead appetizer.
Packed with Flavor: Creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and zesty ranch seasoning.


???? Recipe Overview

  • Servings: 12-15 mini cheeseballs
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

???? Ingredients

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
  • 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for coating)
  • Pretzel sticks or toothpicks (for serving)

????‍???? How to Make Mini Bacon Ranch Cheeseballs

???? Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Mix the Cheese Base:

  • In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • Mix until smooth and well combined.

2️⃣ Add the Crunch & Flavor:

  • Stir in crumbled bacon and fresh chives for extra flavor.

3️⃣ Shape the Cheeseballs:

  • Scoop 1 tbsp-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into small balls.

4️⃣ Coat for Extra Texture:

  • Roll each cheeseball in chopped nuts, extra bacon bits, or fresh chives for a crunchy coating.

5️⃣ Chill Before Serving:

  • Place the cheeseballs on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

  • Insert pretzel sticks or toothpicks into each cheeseball and serve cold.

???? How to Serve Mini Bacon Ranch Cheeseballs

Best served chilled for the perfect texture.
???? Pair with crackers, sliced baguette, or veggie sticks.
???? Great addition to a charcuterie board!


❄️ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

???? Fridge:

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

???? Freezer:

  • Freeze uncoated cheeseballs for up to 1 month.
  • Thaw in the fridge before rolling in toppings.

???? Tips for the Best Cheeseballs

✔️ Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese – for the creamiest texture.
✔️ Make it Spicy – Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce.
✔️ For a Nut-Free Option – Coat with extra bacon or herbs instead.
✔️ Double the Batch – These disappear fast at parties!


???? Nutrition Facts (Per Cheeseball)

  • Calories: 90
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fats: 7g
  • Carbs: 2g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Sodium: 120mg

FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare them up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge.

2. Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely! Pepper Jack, Gouda, or Swiss work well.

3. How do I make these keto-friendly?

Skip the pretzels and use crushed nuts or bacon for coating.

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