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Indulge in the perfect blend of savory and creamy with our Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball (Keto) recipe! Crafted with crispy bacon, rich cream cheese, tangy sour cream, zesty ranch seasoning, and cheddar cheese, and garnished with fresh parsley and chopped nuts, this keto-friendly appetizer is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Elevate your gatherings, game-day parties, or family nights with this irresistible combination of flavors. A delicious low-carb and gluten-free twist that will have everyone reaching for more!
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Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball (Keto): A Touchdown for Game Day Delight! 🏈🥓
Greetings, fellow football aficionados! 🏈
Let me share a slice of life in our Seahawks-loving household, where game day is akin to a sacred ritual. From our dogs, Sia and Hawk, to the Seahawks-themed Christmas tree, it's a football haven! Now, let's talk game day snacks.
In our pursuit of snack perfection, I created the creamy Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball (Keto) – a star player in our game day spread. This appetizer is more than a tasty treat; it's a celebration of creamy richness and savory bliss, all while keeping it keto-friendly and gluten-free. A touchdown in my playbook, and a win for both keto enthusiasts and non-keto fans alike!
Whether you're cheering for the Seahawks, enjoying a family game night, or craving a cozy evening indulgence, this cheese ball is your MVP. So, gather your ingredients, whip up this delightful creation, and embark on a snacking journey that'll have everyone cheering. 🎉 Here's to savoring the winning moments, one bite at a time! 🏆
Don't forget to capture and share your game day celebrations with us using the hashtag #Bobbiskozykitchen! 📸
In This Post
🥘Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball (Keto) Ingredients
These are the ingredients necessary to make Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball (Keto).
- Cheese - I chose a combo of cheddar cheeses here however, you can use whatever cheese you prefer.
- Fresh Herbs - I highly recommend the use of fresh and not dried herbs for this cheese ball.
- Pecans - Pecans are delicious in this recipe but you could use walnuts as well.
A detailed list with measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.
🔪Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball (Keto) Instructions
This is a basic breakdown of the steps involved in making Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball (Keto). You will find the full directions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
In a large bowl, with a rubber or silicone spatula, mix together all of the ingredients until well combined.
Transfer to a cutting board covered with plastic wrap. Using the plastic wrap to help, mold the mixture into a ball.
Combine the chopped pecans (or walnuts) with the chopped parsley and spread out onto a baking sheet or large platter. Remove the cheeseball from the plastic wrap and roll it in the nut mixture.
Transfer to a serving platter. Serve with keto crackers, vegetables, or toasted keto bread wedges.
Helpful Hint: 💡: To make the preparation even smoother, try frying the bacon the night before. This not only saves time but also ensures it cools adequately before blending with the cheese mixture, allowing for a quicker and more convenient assembly.
Substitutions
- Cheese - instead of the cheeses I used, feel free to use whatever cheeses you and your family prefer.
- Fresh Herbs - I highly recommend the use of fresh herbs for this cheese ball but, if you cannot get them, you can use green onions in place of the chives and dried parsley for the fresh. Remember when using dried herbs you use 1 tsp dried for every tbsp of fresh.
- Pecans - I love the flavor that pecans add to this recipe but if you are not a fan, or cannot find pecans, you can substitute walnuts.
📖Variations
- Spicy Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball - Add finely chopped pickled jalapeños to the mixture. Roll the cheese ball in a mixture of crushed keto nacho cheese-flavored chips and chopped cilantro.
- Everything Bagel Cheese Ball - Add everything bagel seasoning to the cheese ball mixture. Roll the cheese ball in a blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic flakes, onion flakes, and salt.
- Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Cheese Ball - Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes (drained if packed in oil) and fresh basil. Roll the cheese ball in finely chopped pine nuts and chopped parsley.
- Buffalo Blue Cheese Ball - Incorporate buffalo sauce into the cream cheese mixture. Mix in crumbled blue cheese. Roll the cheese ball in crushed keto pretzels.
- Pimento Cheese Ball - Add diced pimentos and a touch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
🍽Equipment
This is the equipment you will need to make Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball (Keto).
Storage
- Short-Term Storage (Up to 2 Days):
- If you plan to serve the cheese ball within 2 days, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- For added freshness, place a piece of plastic wrap directly against the surface of the cheese ball before sealing the container.
- Long-Term Storage (Freezing):
- To freeze the cheese ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring it is well-sealed.
- Place the wrapped cheese ball in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date and type of cheese ball for easy identification.
- Freeze for up to 1 month.
- Thawing:
- When ready to use a frozen cheese ball, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator.
- Allow it to thaw slowly for several hours or overnight.
- Before serving, refresh the exterior coating by rolling the cheese ball in additional chopped nuts or herbs if needed.
- Serving After Refrigeration:
- If the cheese ball has been refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
- This allows the flavors to become more pronounced and the texture to soften slightly.
- Maintaining Freshness:
- For optimal flavor and texture, consume the cheese ball within 2 days of making, whether stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
By following these instructions, you can ensure that your Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball stays fresh and delicious, whether you're serving it soon or preparing it in advance.
💭Top tip
For an extra flavor boost, opt for shredding your cheddar cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded varieties. This yields a creamier texture and richer taste in your Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball. Plus, it's a delightful touch that doesn't go unnoticed by your taste buds!
FAQ about Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball (Keto)
Absolutely! This cheese ball can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. If you choose to freeze it, the cheese ball can be made ahead and frozen for up to a month.
Serve the cheese ball with keto crackers, fresh vegetable slices, or toasted keto bread wedges. It's versatile, making it an excellent appetizer for various occasions.
Absolutely! Instead of forming one large ball, roll the mixture into bite-sized balls. Serve these smaller portions with toothpicks for a delightful and convenient appetizer.
While you can use pre-shredded cheese, shredding it from a block provides a superior texture and flavor. The choice is yours, but for optimal results, go for freshly shredded cheese.
Related Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Keto Broccoli Cheese Balls
- Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Keto Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Low Carb Artichoke Crab Dip
- Texas Trash Dip
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball (Keto):
- Keto Garlic and Herb Crackers
- Keto Smoked Cheddar "Cheez-It" Crackers
- Keto Almond Flour Crackers
- Cheesy Coconut Flour Crackers
- Keto Parmesan Crisps
- The Best Seeded Crackers
Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball (Keto)
Ingredients
- 6 strips bacon cooked and crumbled
- 16 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 3 tbsp sour cream
- 3 tbsp ranch seasoning blend
- 1 tsp organic garlic powder
- 2 1/2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese *See Notes
- 1/3 cup fresh chives chopped (can sub green onions)
- 1 cup pecans or walnuts, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, with a rubber or silicone spatula, mix together all of the ingredients until well combined.
- Transfer to a cutting board covered with plastic wrap.
- Using the plastic wrap to help, mold the mixture into a ball.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and the mixture to firm up.
- Combine the chopped pecans (or walnuts) with the chopped parsley and spread out onto a baking sheet or large platter.
- Remove the cheeseball from the plastic wrap and roll it in the nut mixture, gently press the mixture into the cheeseball as needed.
- Transfer to a serving platter.
- Serve with keto crackers, vegetables, or toasted keto bread wedges.
Notes
- I like to use a combination of sharp yellow and white cheddar. For the best flavor and texture results, shred it from a block instead of using bagged shredded cheese.
This cheese ball can be made up to 2 days ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. - I like to fry the bacon the night before making this as it's a lot quicker and gives it time to cool before mixing it with the cheese.
- Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for 1 hour before you prepare, (if possible). This makes it easier to combine evenly with the other ingredients.
- Some people roll these into bite-sized balls and serve them with toothpicks.
Disclaimer
Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs will not be included as it has a glycemic index of 0 (meaning it does not spike blood sugar) and it’s not metabolized. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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