Prep Time: 20 mins Chill Time: 1 hr
Total: 1 hr 20 mins Yields: 8
Prepare to save this tantalizing Cheese Ball appetizer recipe in your arsenal from the famous Pioneer Woman. This simple dish promises to steal the spotlight at any gathering by combining creamy cream cheese, sharp white cheddar, crispy bacon, and a touch of ranch seasoning, all crowned with the freshness of scallions. Enjoy and let us know your thoughts!
What is the Cheese Ball Recipe (Pioneer Woman)?
The Pioneer Woman’s Cheese Ball Recipe is like a warm hug for your taste buds – quick to whip up and absolutely perfect for those hunger pangs or a cozy movie night with loved ones. Imagine the creamy cheese mixed with crispy bacon, and a dash of zesty ranch seasoning. This recipe isn’t just about food; it’s about turning everyday moments into something extraordinary. It’s an invitation to indulge and enjoy, and it’s a must for anyone who loves good food and good times.
Why does this recipe work?
Prepare to fall head over heels for this cheese ball recipe! I love this recipe for:
- Get a Head Start: This recipe can be prepared ahead of time. The only challenge you’ll face is resisting the urge to devour it all before the occasion arrives!
- Irresistible Flavor: Brace yourself for a taste journey beyond the ordinary. This cheeseball is a perfect mix of cheeses – cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, and sour cream are combined with bacon and scallions creating pure magic. No single ingredient dominates, and the flavors meld together seamlessly.
- Effortless Go-To Appetizer: Elevate your party with this cheese ball, while effortlessly managing your holiday preparations. It’s your go-to appetizer, allowing you to focus on the rest of your festive spread. Just assemble it, chill, and serve as an entree together with crackers, and watch your guests help themselves. It’s a low-effort wonder that ensures you shine as the ultimate host.
Pioneer Woman Cheese Ball Recipe
Ingredients
- Bacon – 8 slices of bacon
- Cream cheese – cut into small pieces – 8 oz cream cheese
- Cheddar – 8 oz (about 2 cups) white cheddar cheese, grated
- Sour cream – 2 tablespoons
- Ranch seasoning – 1 tablespoon (half of a 1-oz. packet)
- Scallions – 5 scallions divided chopping white parts and slicing green parts
- Cooking spray
- Crackers, for serving
Instructions
- Fry the bacon in a large skillet on medium heat until it’s crispy, usually around 6 to 8 minutes.
- Place the cooked bacon on paper towels to drain.
- Blend together cream cheese, cheddar, sour cream, ranch seasoning, scallion whites, and 2 pieces of cooked bacon in a food processor. Blend until it forms a cohesive mixture, approximately 30 seconds.
- Combine the remaining 6 slices of bacon (chopped) with the green parts of the scallion on a plate, spreading them out evenly.
- Use a rubber spatula to transfer the cheese mixture onto the plate.
- Shape the mixture into a ball, coating your hands with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Roll and press the ball into the bacon-scallion mixture until coated.
- Chill the cheese ball for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
- Take out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy with crackers.
Tips
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy blending.
- Grate the white cheddar cheese yourself for optimal freshness.
- Cook the bacon until it’s crispy and crumble it into small pieces.
Variations
- Roll the finished cheese ball in chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a gentle kick of heat.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, like Gouda or blue cheese.
Tools you will use
How to serve the Cheese Balls
The Cheese Ball Recipe from the Pioneer Woman is not just an appetizer; it’s an experience of flavors that will leave a lasting impression. Enjoy every creamy, bacon-filled bite!
- Serve this cheese ball with an assortment of your favorite crackers.
- Arrange it as the centerpiece of a charcuterie board, surrounded by cured meats, olives, and fresh fruits. Your guests will adore dipping into the velvety goodness.
Serve it at gatherings, parties, or even as a special treat during movie nights.
You might like more…
MORE SAVORY CHEESE RECIPES:
- Fried Chicken Meatballs with cheese
- Gamjajeon with Melted Cheese
MORE PIONEER WOMAN RECIPES:
- Pioneer Woman Ice Cream Pie
- Pioneer Woman Pie Crust
- Pioneer Woman Banana Pudding
- Pioneer Woman Banana Nut Bread
Cheese Ball Recipe Pioneer Woman
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon
- 8 oz cream cheese cut into small pieces
- 8 oz white cheddar cheese grated (about 2 cups)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning half of a 1-oz. packet
- 5 scallions white parts finely chopped and green parts sliced
- cooking spray
- crackers for serving
Instructions
- Fry the bacon in a large skillet on medium heat until it's crispy, usually around 6 to 8 minutes.
- Place the cooked bacon on paper towels to drain.
- Blend together cream cheese, cheddar, sour cream, ranch seasoning, scallion whites, and 2 pieces of cooked bacon in a food processor. Blend until it forms a cohesive mixture, approximately 30 seconds.
- Combine the remaining 6 slices of bacon (chopped) with the green parts of the scallion on a plate, spreading them out evenly.
- Use a rubber spatula to transfer the cheese mixture onto the plate.
- Shape the mixture into a ball, coating your hands with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Roll and press the ball into the bacon-scallion mixture until coated.
- Chill the cheese ball for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
- Take out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy with crackers.
