Cheese Balls Recipe
An irresistibly creamy and savory cheese ball infused with Ranch seasoning, smoky bacon, and a blend of cheeses, delicately rolled in a crunchy coating of nuts and herbs. This appetizer is a crowd-pleaser at gatherings, perfect alongside pita chips or crackers.
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Servings: 16
Ingredients
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts divided
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ¼ teaspoons poppy seeds divided
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 to 3 tablespoons Ranch seasoning adjusted to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese plus ¼ cup for coating
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup shredded Mexican cheese four-cheese blend
- 8 ounces bacon chopped and cooked, divided
- ¼ cup green onions finely chopped, divided
Instructions
- Begin by finely dicing the bacon and cooking it in a skillet until crisp; once drained and cooled, reserve one-quarter for the coating.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, shredded Mexican cheese, one cup of the cheddar cheese, three tablespoons of the green onions, a quarter cup of walnuts, three tablespoons Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and one teaspoon of poppy seeds. Use a sturdy spatula to thoroughly blend the mixture until smooth and uniform.
- Chop the reserved bacon, remaining cheddar cheese, green onions, and walnuts finely; blend these with the remaining ¼ teaspoon of poppy seeds on a clean cutting board.
- Shape the cheese mixture into a cohesive ball and roll it over the prepared coating to ensure it is evenly covered on all sides. Form it into a smooth sphere as you go.
- Serve immediately or wrap securely and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Notes
Adjust the Ranch seasoning to taste. Formulations may vary by brand—some require 2 tablespoons per 16 oz, while others used to need 3 tablespoons. Start with 2 tablespoons and increase if necessary to avoid excessive saltiness.