Creamy Ranch Cheddar Cheese Ball Delicacy
This Creamy Ranch Cheddar Cheese Ball Delicacy is a time-honored favorite that has graced our Thanksgiving table for over a decade. Combining the zesty flavors of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix with rich cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and a touch of mayonnaise, this cheese ball is creamy, savory, and incredibly easy to make. Its delightful textures and warm, inviting flavors make it the perfect appetizer for gatherings, parties, or your next family feast. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to indulge in some tasty snacks, this cheese ball is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix
1 ounce (envelope)
Cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (none)
Milk
1/2 cup (none)
Sharp cheddar cheese
10 ounces (grated)
Parsley or nuts
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix, mayonnaise, and milk to create a creamy dressing; beat until smooth and well-combined.
2
Add the softened cream cheese to the dressing mixture and blend using a hand mixer until fully incorporated and smooth.
3
Gently fold in the grated sharp cheddar cheese, ensuring an even distribution throughout the mixture.
4
If the mixture is too soft to hold its shape, refrigerate or freeze for about one hour until it firms up.
5
Once the cheese mixture has reached a more manageable consistency, shape it into a round ball with your hands.
6
To garnish, roll the cheese ball in chopped parsley, nuts, or poppy seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
7
Transfer the cheese ball to a serving platter and serve with an assortment of crackers.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Ranch Cheddar Cheese Ball Delicacy?
It is a time-honored favorite appetizer combining Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix, cream cheese, and sharp cheddar, often served at Thanksgiving.
What brand of ranch dressing mix is recommended?
The recipe specifically recommends using Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix.
How much cream cheese is required for this recipe?
You will need 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
How much sharp cheddar cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 10 ounces of grated sharp cheddar cheese.
What are the base ingredients for the dressing mixture?
The base dressing is made by combining ranch dressing mix, mayonnaise, and milk.
How much mayonnaise is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of mayonnaise.
How much milk is needed for the cheese ball?
You need 1/2 cup of milk to create the creamy dressing base.
What should I do if the cheese mixture is too soft to shape?
Refrigerate or freeze the mixture for about one hour until it firms up.
How is the cream cheese incorporated into the mixture?
Add the softened cream cheese to the dressing mixture and blend using a hand mixer until smooth.
How should the sharp cheddar cheese be added?
The grated sharp cheddar cheese should be gently folded into the mixture to ensure even distribution.
What is the recommended way to shape the cheese ball?
Once the mixture has reached a manageable consistency, shape it into a round ball using your hands.
What are some options for garnishing the cheese ball?
You can roll the cheese ball in chopped parsley, nuts, or poppy seeds.
What should the cheese ball be served with?
It should be served on a platter with an assortment of crackers.
Is this recipe suitable for a Thanksgiving gathering?
Yes, it is described as a time-honored favorite for Thanksgiving tables.
How long has this recipe been a family favorite?
According to the description, it has been a favorite for over a decade.
Is a hand mixer necessary for this recipe?
The instructions recommend using a hand mixer to blend the cream cheese into the dressing until smooth.
What type of cheddar cheese works best?
The recipe specifically calls for sharp cheddar cheese.
What is the texture of the finished cheese ball?
The cheese ball is described as creamy and savory with delightful textures.
Does the cream cheese need to be softened?
Yes, the instructions specify using softened cream cheese for easier blending.
Can I use poppy seeds as a garnish?
Yes, poppy seeds are mentioned as a possible garnish for flavor and visual appeal.
Is the cheese ball recipe easy to make?
Yes, the description states that the recipe is incredibly easy to make.
What flavor profile can I expect from this dish?
The dish features zesty flavors from the ranch mix combined with rich cream cheese and sharp cheddar.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients including the optional garnish.
What should I use to beat the dressing mix, mayonnaise, and milk?
Use a large mixing bowl and beat the ingredients until smooth and well-combined.
Can I use nuts to garnish the cheese ball?
Yes, the recipe suggests rolling the ball in nuts to taste.
Is this a good appetizer for parties?
Yes, it is considered a crowd-pleaser for gatherings and parties.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine ranch dressing mix, mayonnaise, and milk in a large bowl.
What kind of bowl is suggested for mixing?
The instructions suggest using a large mixing bowl.
Can parsley be used for decoration?
Yes, chopped parsley is a recommended garnish.
How do you ensure the cheddar cheese is well distributed?
The cheddar cheese should be gently folded into the mixture.