What is a Cracked Out Cheese Ball? It’s like the cooler, older cousin of the classic cheese ball – the one who knows all the best jokes and always brings the party. I promise, one bite, and you’ll understand why everyone goes crazy for this thing. Think of it as your new secret weapon to winning any gathering, big or small.

What is a Cracked Out Cheese Ball?

What exactly are brass tacks?isWhat is a “Cracked Out Cheese Ball”? It’s essentially a mixture of cheeses – Cream Cheese, cheddar, sometimes even a little pepper jack for a kick – all blended together with bacon, ranch seasoning, and a touch of onion. What’s better, bacon and walnuts for the perfect crunch? Seriously, it’s an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite, and the name? Is it addictive?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Why is this Cracked Out Cheese Ball your new go-to appetizer?FlavorWhere does the magic really happen. You get the creamy richness of the cheese, the smoky saltiness of the bacon, the tangy zip of the ranch, and the satisfying crunch of the nuts. It’s a symphony in your mouth!SimplicityWhat is a cheese ball? And most of the time needed is just chilling time.Cost-efficiencyCompared to buying pre-made appetizers at the store, this cheese ball is a total steal. The ingredients are all pretty standard pantry staples, and you can easily customize it to fit your budget.VersatilityWhat’s a good snack for game night? What I love about this recipe is that it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I’ve brought it to countless gatherings, and it’s always the first thing to disappear. I’m telling you, this is the appetizer to end all appetizers!

How do you make cracked out cheese balls?

Quick Overview

How do you make a Cracked Out Cheese Ball? Is it possible to become a culinary genius without breaking a sweat?

Ingredients

For the Cheese Ball:

2 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened. Make sure it’s really soft; otherwise, you’ll end up with a lumpy cheese ball, and nobody wants that.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. I like to use sharp cheddar for extra flavor, but mild cheddar works too. You can even use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack if you’re feeling adventurous.
1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon. Now, this is important: use REAL bacon. The pre-cooked stuff just doesn’t have the same flavor or texture. Cook it until it’s nice and crispy, then crumble it up into small pieces.
How do I make my own ranch seasoning from scratch?
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions. These add a nice little pop of freshness and flavor. Make sure to chop them so they don’t overpower the other ingredients.

For the Coating:

1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon. Yes, more bacon! This is what gives the cheese ball that signature “cracked out” look and flavor.
I prefer pecans, but walnuts work too. Toasting the nuts beforehand will bring out even more flavor, but it’s not strictly necessary.

How do I follow step by step

Step 1: Soften the Cream Cheese

Make sure your Cream Cheese is completely softened before you start mixing. I usually leave it out on the counter for an hour or two, or you can microwave it in 30-second intervals until it’s nice and creamy.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the Cream Cheese, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, ranch seasoning mix, and green onions. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. I usually use an electric mixer for this, but you can also do it by hand if you’re feeling ambitious.

Step 3: Chill the Mixture

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cheese ball to firm up so it will be easier to shape.

Step 4: Shape the Cheese Ball

Once the cheese mixture is firm, remove it from the refrigerator and shape it into a ball. I usually use my hands for this, but you can also use a spoon or scoop if you prefer. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly round – it’ll still taste delicious!

Step 5: Prepare the Coating

In a shallow dish, combine the crumbled bacon and chopped pecans. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.

Step 6: Coat the Cheese Ball

Roll the cheese ball in the bacon and nut mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks. How do you pat a cheese ball with your hands?

Step 7: Chill Again

Cover the cheese ball with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will help the coating to set and prevent the cheese ball from getting too soft.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

What are some of the best ways to serve Cracked Out Cheese Balls?

What should I serve it with?

What are some of my favorite things to serve with Cracked Out Cheese Balls?

For Game Night: Crackers are a classic for a reason! I like to offer a variety of crackers – some plain, some flavored, some whole wheat – so everyone can find something they like. Pretzels are also a great option, especially the small pretzel sticks or pretzel crisps.

For a cocktail party:How do you serve a cheese ball with some crudités? Think carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and cherry tomatoes. What are some good side dishes to serve with artichoke hearts?

For a Potluck: Keep it simple and bring a variety of crackers and pretzels. You can also add a small bowl of grapes or Apple Slices for a little bit of sweetness. And don’t forget to bring a serving spoon or knife so people can easily serve themselves.

For a Quick Snack:Sometimes, I just want a little taste of that Cracked Out Cheese Ball goodness all by itself. In that case, I just grab a few crackers or pretzels and enjoy! Seriously, it’s that good. Is there any limit to what you can do with your imagination?

How do I make a cracked out cheese ball?

How do I make a Cracked Out Cheese Ball?

Cream Cheese Prep:What are the pros and cons of softened cream cheese? If you forget to take it out of the fridge, you can speed up the process by microwaving it in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s nice and creamy. Just be careful not to overheat it, or it will melt.

Bacon Bliss:How do you cook bacon in the oven? What are some good ways to bake bacon strips on a baking sheet?

Ranch Remix:If you’re not a fan of ranch seasoning, you can substitute it with other flavorings. What are some good substitutes for Italian seasoning?

Nutty Know-How:If you toast nuts before you roll the cheese ball in them will bring out their flavor and make them even crunchier. To toast nuts, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-10 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden brown. Watch them closely, as they can burn easily.

What is Cheese Customization?If you want a different flavor to your cheese ball, you could use Gruyere cheese for a little bit of heat or pepper jack cheese for a little bit of nutty flavor. Just make sure that the cheese is shredded finely so it mixes in well.

Chill Time is Key:Don’t skip the chilling time! This is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld together and the cheese ball to firm up. If you try to roll the cheese ball in the bacon and nuts before it’s properly chilled, it will be too soft and messy.

What is the difference between a little extra effort and a lot of money?

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

How do I make a cracked out cheese ball? What is the best way to keep your food fresh?

Room Temperature:I wouldn’t leave it out at room temperature for more than a couple of hours. It’s got dairy in it, so food safety first!

Refrigerator Storage: What is theWhat is the best way to store a cheese ball in the fridge? What flavors will meld and get better over time?

How do you use a freezerCan you freeze it? Wrap it really well in plastic wrap then put it in a freezer bag. It can last for up to a month or two in the freezer. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Just a heads up, the texture might change slightly after freezing, but it’ll still taste great.

What is Glaze Timing Advice?If you’re making it ahead of time, I’d recommend holding off on rolling it in the bacon and nuts until right before serving. This will keep the bacon nice and crispy and the nuts from getting soggy. This Cracked Out Cheese Ball stores really well, making it perfect for parties, meal prep, or just satisfying those savory cravings whenever they hit!

What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora

Can I make this ahead of time?

Can I make this a day or two in advance? I’d suggest rolling it in the bacon and nut mixture right before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.

Can you use different types of cheese?

Can you experiment with different cheeses to customize the flavor to your liking? What are some good cheeses for a smoky flavor?

Can you make this without bacon?

While bacon is a key component of the “cracked out” flavor, you can definitely make it without bacon if you prefer. What are some good substitutes for roasted red peppers and sun dried tomatoes?

What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?

If you don’t have ranch seasoning on hand, you can make your own by combining dried buttermilk powder, dried dill, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. What are some good recipes for homemade ranch seasoning?

How do I make small cheese balls?

Can you easily make this recipe into smaller balls for individual servings? Just divide the cheese mixture into smaller portions and roll them into balls. What is the best way to reduce the chilling time for mini cheese balls?

Final Thoughts

What is my go-to recipe for Cracked Out Cheese Balls? I really do hope you give this recipe a try. It’s one of those things that once you make it, you’ll be asked to bring it to every gathering from here on out! What’s your favorite cheeseball recipe? What are some fun variations on your recipe?

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