Bacon ranch cheese balls are a savory appetizer combining softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and ranch seasoning, shaped into two versions—a classic pecan-crusted ball and a festive pumpkin shape. They're make-ahead friendly and perfect for holiday entertaining.
Delivery in as fast as one hour.*
Prices vary by store
*Service fees apply. Instacart® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 2 blocks of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, ranch seasoning packets, and chopped green onions.
Mix with a spatula until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Divide the cheese mixture in half to create two cheese balls.
For the first cheese ball, form one half of the mixture into a ball and roll it in the chopped pecans until fully coated.
Wrap the pecan-coated cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill.
For the second cheese ball, form the other half of the mixture into a ball and roll it in the 1.5 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until coated.
Wrap the cheddar-coated cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap.
To create a pumpkin shape, wrap rubber bands around the cheese ball, pressing them in to create ridges.
Place the pumpkin-shaped cheese ball in the refrigerator to chill and set for at least 1 hour.
Once firm, carefully remove the plastic wrap and rubber bands. Place a bell pepper stem in the top center of the pumpkin cheese ball.
Arrange both cheese balls on a platter with assorted crackers and serve.
Wrap finished cheese balls tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 3 days, or freeze up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Yes. Form and coat the cheese balls, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Use walnuts, almonds, or omit entirely. You can also increase the shredded cheddar coating for a cheesier crust.
Form the cheese mixture into a round ball, then use the tip of a knife handle or wooden spoon to press vertical grooves around the ball. Insert a bell pepper stem at the top for the pumpkin stem.
Fresh-shredded cheese works better and incorporates more smoothly, but pre-shredded cheese works if you omit any anti-caking agents. Avoid bags labeled with cellulose.
Place on a serving board or platter with assorted crackers, bread chips, or vegetable crudités. Keep the cheese ball chilled until 15 minutes before serving for easier spreading.
Smash Burger Burritos
30 min · Luke Brown
Marry Me Chicken Sandwiches
245 min · Luke Brown
Smash Burger Burrito
25 min · Luke Brown
Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf
85 min
Cajun Spaghetti With Creole Meat Sauce
55 min
BBQ Pork Sandwich
35 min
Creamy Corn Chowder
45 min
Cowboy Sliders
25 min
Chunky Chili
490 min
Easy Shrimp Etouffee
Crawfish Etouffee
