Wait until you taste these Ranch Cheese Balls. This is a fun twist on a classic cheese ball because the recipe is for bite-size cheese balls on a pretzel stick.
However, you can make this recipe for a large cheese ball if you prefer.
I served these yummy cheese ball pops at our recent Christmas party, and they disappeared quickly.
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Ranch Cheese Balls
This recipe for Ranch Cheese Balls is perfect for a casual serve-yourself party.
This was the first time I’d served this recipe, and it was a huge success. Everyone was asking about the recipe, and they loved the bite-size serving.
Preparing to Make Cheese Balls
The first step in preparing this cheese ball recipe is to cook eight strips of bacon. I placed four stripes in the microwave in layers of paper towels. You want the bacon to be very crispy.
While the bacon is cooking, set the cream cheese out to soften.
Next, finely chop the pecans and spread them onto a sheet of wax paper. You can also chop the chives into small pieces.
Mix Ingredients
Crush the bacon into small chips and combine with all ingredients except the pecan in a mixing bowl.
Stir until well mixed.
Roll into small bite-size balls
Next, roll each of the ranch cheese balls into small balls.
Then roll each ball in the chopped pecans until the entire cheese ball is covered.
Layer the mini ranch cheese balls in a baking dish and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Make a Cheese Ball Pop
When you are ready to serve your bite-size cheese balls, place a pretzel stick into each ball.
Guests can grab a mini-cheese ball without all the hassle of spreading the cheese on a cracker.
See full recipe
Ranch Bite-Size Cheese Balls
Easy Mini Ranch and Bacon Cheese Ball Pops on a pretzel stick
Ingredients
- 16 oz. Cream Cheese
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 3 tsp. dry Ranch Mix
- 8 Slices of Crispy Cooked Bacon
- 2 Tablespoons Finely Chopped Chives
- 1 Cup finely chopped pecans
- 50 Pretzel Sticks
Instructions
- Cook Bacon until crispy - cool and crush
- Chop pecans finely and spread onto wax paper
- Chop Chives finely
- Add Soften Cream Cheese to a large mixing bowl
- Add all ingredients except pecans and pretzel sticks
- Mix well (if the mixture is soft, you may need to place it in the refrigerator until firm enough to roll easily.
- Roll into small balls approx. the diameter of a nickel
- Roll until covered in pecans
- Place in a dish and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, add one pretzel stick to each cheese ball.
Notes
The size of the cheese balls will vary, and you may have more or fewer servings.
You can make one large cheese ball if you prefer and serve it with crackers.
Nutrition Information
Yield
50Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 167Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 12mgSodium 401mgCarbohydrates 24gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 4g
Please note that I am not a medical or nutritional professional. I include basic calorie and nutrition information for recipes as a courtesy. However, due to wide variations in brands, nutrition data is subject to change for every user. Nutrition data is calculated using Calorie Counter App and information is entered as accurately as possible. We subtract all sugar alcohols from erythritol and xylitol from the final carb count because that is how THM calculates carbs.
If you like easy to make ahead appetizer recipes, you may want to try the following recipes.
Easy Appetizer Recipes
Easy Appetizer recipes for Holiday Entertaining
Great to prepare and have uncooked in freezer. Just pop as many as needed in the oven for an impromptu appetizer.
Easy Recipe
Easy 3 ingredient candy great for the holidays.
Easy Zesty Appetizer Recipe
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Marciaa
Wednesday 14th of December 2022
Where do you get the pretzel sticks
Rachel
Thursday 15th of December 2022
Marcia, They are just pretzel sticks from the grocery store. I think the brand is Synder's of Hanover
CoCo
Wednesday 14th of December 2022
I've never heard of these before but they look so good, Rachel! I can't wait to try your recipe. We're always looking for quick and easy things to take to holiday parties. Thanks for making it so easy! Hugs, CoCo
Rachel
Thursday 15th of December 2022
CoCo, They are yummy.
Stacy
Wednesday 14th of December 2022
These look so good Rachel!!!
Rachel
Thursday 15th of December 2022
Stacy, They really are delicious.
Sue Groth
Wednesday 14th of December 2022
This sounds so yummy-I must try this. Thank Rachael for all ur wonderful ideas. Blessings, Sue
Rachel
Thursday 15th of December 2022
Sue, Thanks so much for stopping by.
Shirley
Wednesday 14th of December 2022
These look really good! Can you make these ahead of time? If so, how far ahead?
Thank you and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Rachel
Thursday 15th of December 2022
Shirley, Yes, if you keep them covered, and refrigerated, you can make them several days ahead of time. I made mine two days ahead.