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.









