I don’t know about you, but at our family gatherings, there are just some foods that are must-haves. For instance, you can count on my grandma to bring some deviled eggs. The one thing I always bring is a cheese ball. I got my pecan ranch cheese ball recipe from a church friend years ago and it quickly became a family favorite. I love that it is so quick and easy to make. The only bad part is that it is hard to stop eating it!
Pecan Ranch Cheese Ball Recipe
- 2 – 3 oz packages of cream cheese
- 1 packet of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix (1 oz)
- 1/2 cup diced cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (I have also made it with walnuts before)
- Crackers for serving. (We like Sociables.)
Allow cream cheese to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften.
Use a stand mixer to cream together the cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, and chicken. Or if you want a workout for your arms, cream it by hand 
If you didn’t buy chopped pecans, use a food processor or hand chopper to chop them into fine pieces.
Use a spatula to scrape the cheese mixture into a blob. With clean hands, form into a ball. Roll in the chopped pecans.
You can make this the day before. Just wrap in wax paper and keep refrigerated until ready to eat. Serve with the crackers of your choice.
So tell me… What are the must-have foods at your family gatherings?
If you liked this recipe and want to print it, use the print-friendly button below. It allows you to remove the pictures and any unwanted text before you print which saves printer ink. This ranch cheese ball recipe is participating in the link parties listed here.
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Southwestern Ohio Mom Blogger, Child of God, Wife to my High School Sweetheart, Mom of 4, Frugal Shopper, Registered Dietitian, Crafter, Letterboxer, Organic Gardener, Avid Cook and Baker... yep that about sums it up!
That sounds really good!
Mom Photographer (@MomPhotographer) recently posted..MomPhotographer: Chewy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies http://t.co/SvoCFamU
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How different to have diced chicken in a cheese ball, I would love to try it:)
Just hopping over from Sugar and Dots Blog Hop to great and meet:) Am now following you and would love a visit back. Also would love to invite you to link up any of your favorite posts at Freedom Fridays Blog Hop.
Evelyn recently posted..Freedom Fridays #9
Well, it usually ends up shredded by the time my KitchenAid gets done with it
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It looks GREAT
Wonderful for any party, and tastes delicious I’m sure
This cheese ball looks amazing! I actually have to admit that I’ve never made one before! Shame on me, right?! They are one of my all time favorite foods to snack on when I’m at a party. I guess it’s time I made one and this recipe looks easy and so tasty! I’ll definitely give it a try! Thanks for sharing!
~Jen @ YummyHealthyEasy.blogspot.com
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Oh Yes! Your amazing cheese ball came to my party:) I love this idea, I am pinning it to try later. Thank you so very much for sharing at Freedom Fridays.
Evelyn recently posted..Freedom Fridays #9
Thank you so much for linking up this delicious recipe! I hope you are having a wonderful weekend please stop by again soon!
Nicole@ Show Off Friday recently posted..Show Off Friday, July 6, 2012
Very yummy! Thank you for sharing on my link up! Have an awesome weekend.
Nicole@Show Off Friday Blog Hop recently posted..Show Off Friday, July 6, 2012
Yum, this looks great!!
Aimee @ ShugarySweets recently posted..Cherry Margarita Pound Cake
Looks delicious! I can’t believe I’ve never made one of these before!
Thanks for linking up for Friday Favorites. I’m featuring this week. Come by and grab my featured button if you’d like one
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Thanks so much for the feature!
This sounds and looks amazing!!!
Yum! We have a similar recipe but I like the idea of using ranch! (Hubby would probably prefer it!) Would love for you to link up at my Pin It Thursday party– http://www.sweetbellaroos.com/2012/07/12/pin-it-thursday2/
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Thanks for inviting me to your link party. I am heading over there now.
Looks yummy. What a fun blog check out my blog if you get a min and have not already
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Have a great day
http://thedailysmash101.blogspot.com
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