Description
Easy Cracked Out Cheese Ball recipe with bacon, cheddar, ranch, and pecans—perfect for parties, snacks, and make-ahead entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 (1-oz) package ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup cooked, chopped bacon
- ⅔ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the base. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Add seasoning. Mix in the ranch dressing packet until evenly distributed.
- Fold in cheese and bacon. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped bacon. Stir until fully incorporated.
- Shape the cheese ball. Form the mixture into a round ball using your hands or plastic wrap.
- Coat with pecans. Roll the cheese ball in the chopped pecans until fully covered.
- Chill. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to blend and the ball to firm up.
- Serve. Present with crackers, pretzels, vegetable sticks, or crostini.
Notes
For easy shaping, chill the mixture for 20 minutes before forming the ball.
Use freshly cooked bacon for the best flavor and texture.
To prevent sticking, lightly oil your hands before shaping.