I love cheese of all kinds and cheese balls are a way of serving cheese in a variety of ways. The original recipe has 2 eight ounce bricks of cream cheese, however if you find the ranch dressing to be too salty you may want to add a third block of cream cheese or cut back on the ranch dressing. You should prepare this a day or two before serving to let the flavors blend.

I have substituted different cheeses such as Colby, Monterey Jack or Mozzarella; or use a blend of different cheeses to add up to 2 1/2 cups of grated cheese. Instead of rolling the cheese ball in nuts, you may want to roll it in bacon bits. This is a good traveler and keeps well in your refrigerator.

Have a blessed Christmas with your loved ones as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Savior.

Easy Cheese Ball

2 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese

1 (1 ounce) package of ranch dressing mix

2 1/2 Cups shredded Cheddar cheese

1 1/2 Cups chopped pecans

Blend the softened cream cheese in bowl, add ranch dressing mix and shredded Cheddar cheese; mix well. Shape mixture into a ball and roll in chopped pecans or bacon bits. Refrigerate and cover until ready to use.

Questions or comments:

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