Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
This straightforward cheese ball appetiser combines creamy cheese with the savoury flavours of ranch seasoning and crispy bacon. After mixing, it is shaped and chilled before being coated in a crunchy blend of pecans and more bacon. It requires minimal preparation and is ideal for entertaining. Allow it to sit out briefly before serving with your choice of crackers or tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing starter.
Ingredients
- 4 strips bacon
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons dry ranch dressing mix
- 0.25 cup chopped pecans
Method
- Cook the bacon strips in a large skillet, turning them now and then, for about 10 minutes until browned all over. Move the bacon to a prepared baking sheet and chill it until crisp.
- Place the softened cream cheese in a bowl and scatter the dry ranch dressing mix over it. Mix thoroughly until evenly incorporated.
- Finely chop the chilled bacon into small pieces. Set aside 2 tablespoons of the bacon. Mix the rest into the cream cheese blend. With clean hands, form the mixture into a ball. Place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Mix the chopped pecans with the reserved bacon in a small dish. Roll the chilled cheese ball in this mixture to coat it completely. Refrigerate until needed. Allow it to stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes prior to serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories103 kcal
Fat10 g
Protein2 g
Sodium173 mg
Recipe details
CategoryAppetizer
Authorthedailygourmet
