Smoky Bacon Ranch Cheese Balls

Smoky Bacon Ranch Cheese Balls - A Delicious Appetizer for Any Occasion
If you're looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's easy to make and packed with flavor, look no further than these Smoky Bacon Ranch Cheese Balls. This dish is perfect for any occasion, from game day parties to holiday gatherings.

Ingredients (serves 8-10):

- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup chopped pecans, for rolling

Cooking Tips:

- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing the ingredients together. This will make it easier to blend everything evenly.
- Use a food processor to chop the bacon and green onions. This will save you time and ensure that everything is evenly chopped.
- Chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes before rolling into balls. This will make it easier to handle and shape the mixture.

Cooking Process:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, green onions, ranch seasoning mix, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
3. Once the mixture is chilled, use a cookie scoop or spoon to form the mixture into small balls.
4. Roll each ball in chopped pecans until fully coated.
5. Place the cheese balls on a serving platter and chill until ready to serve.
Appearance and Taste:
These Smoky Bacon Ranch Cheese Balls are a beautiful golden brown color with a crunchy coating of chopped pecans. The inside is creamy and packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning. The smoky paprika adds a subtle depth of flavor that makes these cheese balls truly irresistible.
Type of Dish: Appetizer

Main Ingredients:

- Cream cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Bacon