Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cheeseball bites are deliciously addictive, easy to make, and perfect for entertaining. They combine all the flavors of a classic “crack” dip—bacon, cheese, and ranch—in one compact, poppable bite. You can prepare them ahead of time, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Cooked and crumbled bacon
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Green onions (chopped)
- Optional coatings: crushed crackers, chopped nuts, bacon bits, or fresh herbs
- Optional extras: jalapeños, garlic powder, or hot sauce for extra flavor
Directions
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, ranch seasoning, bacon, and chopped green onions until well combined.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
- Once chilled, scoop out small portions and roll into bite-sized balls using your hands or a small cookie scoop.
- Roll each ball in your choice of coating (e.g., extra bacon bits, crushed crackers, or chopped herbs).
- Place on a platter and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 20 cheeseball bites.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
- Nutty Crunch: Roll the bites in finely chopped pecans or almonds.
- Mini Skewers: Insert pretzel sticks or toothpicks into each bite for easy serving.
- Herb Blend: Mix in or roll the bites in chopped parsley, chives, or dill.
- Low-Carb Option: Use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead of crackers for coating.
Storage/Reheating
Store Cracked Out Cheeseball Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They do not require reheating and are best served chilled. These are not recommended for freezing, as the texture may change.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, these cheeseball bites can be made 1–2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
What’s the best way to serve them at a party?
Serve chilled on a platter with toothpicks or pretzel sticks for easy grabbing.
Can I use store-bought bacon bits?
Yes, but freshly cooked and crumbled bacon adds better flavor and texture.
Can I make them spicy?
Absolutely—add hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeños to the mix.
What other cheese can I use?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can try pepper jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend.
How big should I make each bite?
Aim for about 1 inch in diameter—easy to pop in your mouth in one or two bites.
Can I freeze cheeseball bites?
It’s not recommended, as the texture of the cream cheese may change after freezing.
Can I make a large cheeseball instead of bites?
Yes, just shape the mixture into a larger ball and roll it in your preferred coating.
Are these gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free ranch seasoning and coatings.
Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Yes, but be mindful of the flavor combinations so they don’t overpower the other ingredients.
Conclusion
Cracked Out Cheeseball Bites are the ultimate savory snack—creamy, cheesy, and full of bold flavor. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or casual snacking, they’re quick to make, easy to serve, and always a hit. With endless options to customize, they’ll be your new go-to appetizer.
PrintCracked Out Cheeseball Bites
Cracked Out Cheeseball Bites are creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bacon, cheddar, and ranch flavor. These savory mini cheese balls are perfect for parties, holidays, or as a make-ahead snack everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- Optional coatings: crushed crackers, bacon bits, chopped nuts, fresh herbs
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, bacon, ranch seasoning, and green onions. Mix until fully combined.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes until firm enough to shape.
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, roll the mixture into small 1-inch balls.
- Roll each ball in your desired coating (e.g., bacon bits, cracker crumbs, chopped herbs).
- Place the bites on a serving tray or plate. Chill until ready to serve.
- Serve cold or at room temperature with toothpicks or pretzel sticks if desired.
Notes
- To make these spicy, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix.
- Use flavored cream cheese for an extra twist—chive, garlic, or spicy varieties work well.
- These bites can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg