Ree Drummond, the famous Pioneer Woman, is known for her heartwarming recipes and crowd-pleasing dishes, perfect for family gatherings and potlucks. Beyond her popular million-dollar dip and comforting chili, there’s another retro gem in her repertoire that deserves attention: the Pioneer Woman Cheese Ball Recipe. This recipe brings together the classic flavors of cheddar and ranch, creating a savory appetizer that’s both incredibly easy to make and visually appealing with its bacon and scallion coating. If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and impressive starter for your next party, this cheese ball is a must-try.
This Pioneer Woman cheese ball recipe comes together in minutes and requires minimal effort. The beauty lies in its simplicity and the delicious combination of flavors and textures. Let’s dive into making this retro-inspired appetizer.
Ree Drummond’s Bacon-Ranch Cheese Ball Recipe
Pioneer Woman Cheese Ball served with crackers and Ree Drummond portrait
Image: A delicious Pioneer Woman cheese ball coated in bacon and scallions, served on a plate with assorted crackers, alongside a small portrait of Ree Drummond, emphasizing the recipe’s origin and creator.
This recipe, inspired by Ree Drummond’s Bacon-Ranch Cheese Ball, comfortably serves 8-10 people and requires at least an hour of chilling time to achieve the perfect texture and flavor blend.
Ingredients for the Perfect Cheese Ball
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Cheese Ball recipe laid out on a plate
Image: A curated display of ingredients needed for the Pioneer Woman Cheese Ball recipe, including cooked bacon, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and scallions, showcasing the fresh and flavorful components.
- 8 slices of smoked bacon, cooked until crispy, drained and divided for filling and coating.
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened to room temperature and cubed for easy blending.
- 8 ounces (approximately 2 cups) of grated sharp white cheddar cheese, providing a robust cheesy flavor.
- 2 tablespoons of sour cream, adding a creamy tang and moisture to the cheese ball.
- 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning (about half of a standard 1-ounce packet), infusing the cheese ball with classic ranch flavor.
- 5 scallions, separated into white and green parts; white parts finely chopped for the cheese ball mixture and green parts thinly sliced for the outer coating.
- Cooking spray, to prevent sticking when shaping the cheese ball.
- Crackers, an assortment for serving alongside the cheese ball, allowing guests to easily enjoy the appetizer.
Chef’s Tip: For quick bacon preparation, explore various methods to cook bacon efficiently, like oven-baking or microwaving.
Step-by-Step Directions for Cheese Ball Success
Step 1: Combine the Cheese Ball Base
In the bowl of a food processor, combine two slices of the pre-cooked bacon, softened cream cheese, grated cheddar cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and chopped white parts of the scallions. Pulse the food processor a few times, then run on low speed until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth. Alternatively, if you don’t have a food processor, finely dice the bacon and thoroughly mash all ingredients together in a mixing bowl using a fork or spatula until well combined.
Step 2: Prepare the Flavorful Coating
Finely chop the remaining six slices of cooked bacon. On a large, shallow plate, combine the chopped bacon bits with the thinly sliced green parts of the scallions. Toss them together to evenly distribute, and then spread the mixture into a uniform layer across the plate, ready for coating the cheese ball.
Step 3: Shape and Coat the Cheese Ball
Scoop the prepared cheese mixture into a smaller bowl for easier handling. Lightly spray your hands with cooking spray to prevent the cheese from sticking. Shape the cheese mixture into a compact ball. Place the cheese ball onto the plate with the bacon and scallion mixture. Gently roll the cheese ball around the plate, ensuring it is completely coated with the bacon and scallion mixture. Use your fingers to press any loose bits onto the cheese ball, creating a visually appealing and flavorful outer layer.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Carefully place the coated cheese ball in the center of your serving plate. Cover the plate tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the cheese ball for a minimum of one hour, or up to eight hours, to allow it to firm up and for the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Take the cheese ball out of the refrigerator approximately 30 minutes before you plan to serve it, allowing it to slightly soften for easier spreading. Arrange an array of crackers around the cheese ball on the serving plate. Add a small cheese knife or spreader for easy serving and enjoy it with a side of Pioneer Woman’s taco soup for a complete Pioneer Woman inspired meal.
Tasting Notes: A Retro Appetizer Revival
Close-up of crackers topped with Pioneer Woman Cheese Ball spread
Image: A tempting close-up shot of crackers generously topped with the Pioneer Woman Cheese Ball spread, highlighting the creamy texture and visible bacon and scallion pieces, inviting viewers to taste the delicious appetizer.
Rediscovering the cheese ball has been a delightful experience! The Pioneer Woman cheese ball recipe is truly fantastic. The combination of bacon, cheddar, ranch, and scallion is a timeless flavor profile that works exceptionally well in a cheese spread. It’s an instant crowd-pleaser. My family devoured it as a snack, and it’s definitely going to be a staple appetizer for future gatherings and parties. This recipe makes you want to explore more classic ’70s-era party appetizers and bring back the retro party food trend!
Make It Your Own: Cheese Ball Variations
Once you’ve mastered the original Pioneer Woman cheese ball recipe, feel free to experiment and customize it to your liking. Instead of ranch seasoning, try using onion soup mix for a different classic flavor, or explore spice blends like “everything bagel seasoning” or a garlic and herb mix for a unique twist. For a spicier version, create a taco-inspired cheese ball by incorporating taco seasoning, diced jalapeños, and grated pepper jack cheese. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe a versatile base for your own culinary creations.
