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A Nerd Cooks » Appetizers

Buffalo Ranch Cheese Ball

Oct 22, 2013 · Modified: Feb 26, 2023 by Lauren Pacek · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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This Buffalo Ranch Cheese Ball is a tasty, easy, make-ahead appetizer. Add more or less hot sauce to make it as spicy as you'd like.

Buffalo Ranch Cheese Ball | A Nerd Cooks

I recently read a Food & Wine article called "Give Cheese Balls a Chance." In it, the author talks about how cheese balls are viewed as being dated and pretty much straight out of the 1970s.

To be honest, I didn't realize that they had garnered this reputation. My lack of awareness of the kitschy nature of cheese balls (coupled with my unabashed love of making and eating them) probably speaks to how uncool I am.

In spite of all this, she also talks about the various positive qualities of the cheese ball.

For starters, they're delicious! They're also endlessly versatile. You can use whatever mixture of cheeses you're into, plus whatever mix-ins you'd like. And then there's the coating. For this buffalo ranch cheese ball, I used nuts and chives, but don't forget about bacon or even something like everything bagel seasoning. You can also spread a cheese ball on crackers, vegetables, you name it.

Buffalo Ranch Cheese Ball | A Nerd Cooks

What I'm saying is, in light of all of its merits, let's bring the cheese ball back. Let's make it cool again.

If you liked this recipe, you'll probably be into Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken and Buffalo Chicken Dip, too!

✨ Recipe

Buffalo Ranch Cheese Ball | A Nerd Cooks

Buffalo Ranch Cheese Ball

Lauren Pacek
This Buffalo Ranch Cheese Ball is a tasty, easy, make-ahead appetizer. Add more or less hot sauce to make it as spicy as you'd like.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
chill time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Appetizers
Cuisine American
Servings 24 servings
Calories 143 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the cheese ball

  • 16 oz. cream cheese softened
  • 1 oz ranch seasoning 1 packet
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2 tablespoon fresh chives minced and divided
  • 2-4 tablespoon hot sauce
  • 1 cup pecans finely chopped

For serving

  • crackers
  • vegetables

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, using a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy. 
  • Add the ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar, 1 tbs of fresh chives, and 2 tbs of hot sauce. Mix until well combined.
  • Taste and add additional hot sauce if desired.
  • Dollop the cheese mixture onto a length of plastic wrap. Shape it into a ball, wrap it in the plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  • Spread the chopped pecans and remaining 1 tbs chives onto a plate. Roll the cheese ball it around on the chopped pecans and chives until the entire ball is covered.
  • Wrap the cheese ball in the plastic wrap and refrigerate again for at least an hour before eating.
  • Serve with crackers and or vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 143kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 4gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 215mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is a generated estimate and is not guaranteed to be accurate.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Buffalo Ranch Cheese Ball | A Nerd Cooks

Buffalo Ranch Cheese Ball | A Nerd Cooks

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Hi, I'm Lauren! I'm the recipe developer, photographer, and writer here at A Nerd Cooks. I'm a 30-something wife, mom, and scientist with a passion for mixing cocktails, brewing buzzy coffee drinks, and making other delicious beverages at home.

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