USE REAL BACON BITS! :) I made one with the pecans and one with real bacon bits and the bacon one was way better and was gone much faster. I also suggest NOT using the Chicken in a Biscuit crackers that others suggested. After I read the reviews I got them and they were way too salty with this already salty cheese ball. Luckily I got those big round wheat crackers too and it was great with those. Will make again and again!
I have made this several times now since finding the recipe. I personally like it better the first day when it still has a strong flavor but we like a lot of flavor in the South! It was better when I made it with Extra Sharp Cheddar and I threw in a splash of worcheshire and chives. Also I shaped it by putting saran wrap on top and forming it into a half cirlcle. It is also easier to eat that way. Soooo Good!!!
This is such a pleasant surprise! A perfect easy appetizer that travels well. Great for big parties! Take NOTE: This recipe is supremely better when served the next day (I've done both). Any reviews regarding "too much" seasoning were probably served the same day. When allowed to set overnight the flavors really blend together wonderfully.
This was an outstanding cheese ball. The ingredients are simple and few. Preparation is easy and quick. I fixed it for our New Year Eve's party and it was a big hit! I followed the basic recipe using extra sharp cheddar cheese throwing in a few bacon bits and rolling it in slivered almonds. However the taste of the cheese ball with the ranch mix was superb. It went quite well on Triscuits. I think MOST everyone who tries this recipe will be well pleased.
This is very popular each time I make it. Like other reviewers said make it in advance to allow the seasoning mix to really seep into the cheese. Otherwise it will be too salty. Also all ranch seasoning mixes are not the same. I recommend Hidden Valley Ranch. I like to add crisp crumbled bacon (NOT bacon bits!) if I have time. It's great with sharp cheddar too.
I ended up using 1/2 oz of the ranch dressing. Any more would be too strong and salty for me. I used up to 3 1/2 c of cheddar cheese also and added chopped green onions then rolled in chopped walnuts. Made two cheese balls ate one and froze the other. I made the recipe the day before so the flavors could mingle. Thanks for the recipe!
This is a fantastic recipe very easy. Be sure to try toasting the pecans first!
3 stars as is. This is far too salty/tangy with the whole packet of ranch dressing mix. I put in 1 extra block of cream cheese and it improved this dish tenfold! So instead of using 2 (8 oz) blocks of cream cheese, use 3 and the recipe is perfect!
This has become a family favorite. It is simple to prepare and everyone loves it. It is great rolled in bacon bits. Make sure you use the salad dressing mix and not the dip mix. The high sodium content in the dip mix is shocking and would make the final product too salty.
