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Easy Cheese Ball II

See how to make a pecan-studded cheese ball with Cheddar and cream cheese. See more

READY IN ABOUT 2¼ hrs

Easy Cheese Ball II

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Read Reviews (524)

"A delicious and easy way to enjoy a cheese ball. Serve with crackers and enjoy! You can cut this recipe in half to make a smaller version. You could substitute Colby, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack cheese for the Cheddar the recipe calls for." — EXPLORE725

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Original recipe makes 6 to 8 servings Change Servings

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix

2 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

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Directions

In a medium size bowl, mash cream cheese. Mix dressing mix and Cheddar cheese into the cream cheese. Shape the mixture into a ball. Roll the ball in the chopped nuts. Refrigerate covered until ready to serve. Yum!

Kitchen-Friendly View

PREP 5 mins
READY IN 2 hrs 5 mins

Reviews More Reviews

Most Helpful Positive Review

Nov 23, 2007

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!

—ANDREWSMA

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Feb 28, 2011

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!

—Natalie

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665 Ratings

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Nov 18, 2007

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!!!

—SouthernTennisChick

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Nov 14, 2006

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.

—PARKER9

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Jan 08, 2004

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.

—TAYL5286

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Apr 12, 2007

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.

—Jess

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Apr 30, 2006

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!

—madcook

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Nov 23, 2004

This is a fantastic recipe, very easy. Be sure to try toasting the pecans first!

—MARNIE4

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Nutrition

Calories
557 kcal
28%

Carbohydrates
7.5 g
2%

Cholesterol
113 mg
38%

Fat
52.5 g
81%

Fiber
2.2 g
9%

Protein
17 g
34%

Sodium
720 mg
29%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Easy Cheese Ball II

Serving Size: 1/7 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 7
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 557
Calories from Fat: 473

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 52.5g 81 %
Saturated Fat 24g 120 %
Cholesterol 113mg 38 %
Sodium 720mg 29 %
Potassium 231mg 6 %
Total Carbohydrates 7.5g 2 %
Dietary Fiber 2.2g 9 %
Protein 17g 34 %
Sugars 1.3g
** Vitamin A 26 %
Vitamin C < 1 %
Calcium 45 %
Iron 16 %
** Thiamin 18 %
** Niacin 26 %
** Vitamin B6 7 %
** Magnesium 16 %
** Folate 12 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.