Here’s a fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer recipe for Mini Bacon Ranch Cheeseballs — creamy, cheesy, and coated in crispy bacon. They’re bite-sized, make-ahead friendly, and perfect for parties, holidays, or game day.
🧀 Mini Bacon Ranch Cheeseballs
Ingredients:
For the Cheeseball Mixture:
-
8 oz cream cheese, softened
-
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
-
1 tbsp dry ranch seasoning mix
-
1–2 green onions, finely chopped
-
¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
-
Pinch of black pepper
For the Coating:
-
6 slices cooked bacon, finely chopped or crumbled
-
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, adds color)
-
2 tbsp chopped pecans or crushed walnuts (optional)
Optional Add-ons:
-
Pretzel sticks (for serving handles)
-
Extra green onion or chives for garnish
Instructions:
-
Make the Cheese Mixture:
-
In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, ranch seasoning, green onion, garlic powder (if using), and pepper.
-
Mix well until smooth and fully combined.
-
-
Chill the Mixture:
-
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the mixture for easier rolling.
-
-
Roll Into Balls:
-
Once chilled, use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the cheese mixture.
-
Roll into 1-inch balls using your hands.
-
-
Coat the Balls:
-
In a shallow dish, mix the bacon, parsley, and nuts (if using).
-
Roll each cheeseball in the mixture until fully coated.
-
-
Serve or Chill:
-
Insert a pretzel stick into each mini cheeseball (optional but fun for serving).
-
Chill until ready to serve — they keep their shape best when cold.
-
Tips & Variations:
-
Make ahead: Can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store covered in the fridge.
-
Spicy kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the mix.
-
Different coatings: Try crushed Doritos, chives, or Everything Bagel seasoning for variety.