Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

Wow, I can't believe it's been almost a month since I last posted! Sorry about that...life's been a little crazy since the holidays. But, I'm back now, and hopefully will be able to swing right back into the routine of regular writing again.

This treat, which I actually made back in December for my Christmas party, comes to you now just in time for Sunday's big game.

However, if you don't happen to be interested in football (like myself), throw a party anyway.

Yep, this ball of cheese is THAT good.

You knew it was when you saw bacon in the title, didn't you?

This appetizer was such a big hit at my Christmas party (especially with the men, mind you, who aren't necessarily the world's biggest cheese ball fans) that it even overshadowed what I thought would be the bigger hit- a sweet take on the cheese ball that tastes like cookie dough! Hopefully I'll get that recipe posted on here one day too, but seriously. Bacon trumped cookie dough. This is a serious matter.

It couldn't be easier to roll up one of these crowd-pleasers, so you really don't have an excuse. Break out the Ritz (Wheat Thins are also awesome) and have a party!

Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

(printable version)

slightly adapted from The Recipe Critic

makes one large cheese ball

2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese

1 (1 oz.) packet dry buttermilk ranch dressing mix

1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

1 (3 oz) jar real bacon bits (or use a few slices fried and crumbled real bacon!)

pecans or almonds, finely chopped for coating

crackers

Mix together cream cheese and dry ranch mix (this is really easy if you do it in your stand mixer).

Add cheese and bacon and mix thoroughly. Shape into a ball (it helps to use a piece of plastic wrap to form it) and roll in nuts to coat. Store in the refrigerator. Serve with crackers.