Cheddar Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
Cheddar Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball - crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh chives & classic ranch make a flavor-packed cheese ball!
Ingredients
- 2 8 oz blocks cream cheese at room temperature
- 3 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese shredded fine and at room temperature
- 1 oz package ranch seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chives diced and divided
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- freshly ground pepper
- 6 oz bacon cooked crisp and chopped fine
- 1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese shredded and at room temperature
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, 3 cups of finely shredded cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, 1 tablespoon fresh chives, cayenne pepper, and several turns of freshly ground black pepper. Transfer mixture to plastic wrap or parchment paper and shape into a ball. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least two hours, ideally overnight. Can be made up to three days ahead.
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Before serving, combine remaining cup of shredded cheese, bacon, and remaining chives on a piece of parchment paper. Unwrap cheese ball and roll and press toppings into cheese ball. You can wrap the cheese ball into the parchment paper and use to smooth toppings. Serve with crackers, bread, or vegetables.