This Easy Lightened Up Pine Cone Bacon Ranch Cheeseball makes for a festive, quick and easy, appetizer or snack! This Pine Cone Cheeseball has been lightened up using light cream cheese, laughing cow cheese wedges, dry ranch mix, and bacon! This Easy Lightened Up Pine Cone Bacon Ranch Cheeseball is guaranteed to be the hit at your next holiday party!

Makes 15 servings

When it comes to classic holiday appetizers at a party, a cheese ball is my absolute favorite things to take to a party. Why? Well, for one they are simple to make, can be made ahead of time, and lastly-they are usually the most popular appetizer at a holiday party!

This Easy Lightened Up Pine Cone Bacon Ranch Cheeseball requires just a few basic ingredients and is packed with tons of flavor, making it the perfect appetizer for your holiday party! Now, what are you waiting for? Go make it!

What ingredients do I need to make this Easy Lightened Up Pine Cone Bacon Ranch Cheeseball?

• Reduced fat cream cheese– softened.
• Laughing cow cheese wedges– any flavor. I like to use the garlic and herb.
• Precooked bacon slices– crumbled. I like to use Hormel BlackLabel precooked bacon slices from Sam’s club.
• Dry ranch dressing mix– I use Hidden Valley ranch mix.
• Whole almonds– roasted and salted.
• Fresh rosemary sprigs-for garnish
• Fresh cranberries– for garnish 

There can be so many variations for this easy cheese ball recipe, feel free to add in your favorite cheeseball seasonings such as:

• Green onions
• Green chilies
• Jalapeños-chopped
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Crushed pineapple
• Crushed nuts
• Old English cheese

What can I serve with this Easy Lightened Up Pine Cone Bacon Ranch Cheeseball?

• Triscuits
• Pretzels
• Cucumber Slices
• Carrots
• Pear Slices
• Apple Sices
• Ritz Crackers
• Pita chips
• Good Thins
• Multi Grain Crackers
• Sweet Potato Crackers- I get these at Costco

Can I make this Easy Lightened Up Pine Cone Bacon Ranch Cheeseball a day ahead?

You sure can! Make the cheese ball ahead of time, wrap the cheeseballs in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight then add the almonds when you’re ready to serve. 

How do I store this Easy Lightened Up Pine Cone Bacon Ranch Cheeseball?

This cheese ball will last up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Be sure to store it in a plastic container or wrapped tightly.

How do I make this Easy Lightened Up Pine Cone Bacon Ranch Cheeseball?

Cook precooked bacon slices in the microwave for 50-70 seconds. Crumble and set aside.

Combine the softened light cream cheese, cheese wedges, bacon crumbles, dry ranch dressing mix into a medium mixing bowl.

Mix until well combined and fluffy. 

Lay a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet or platter and place the cheese ball on top of the parchment paper. 
Divide the mixture into two portions and shape like a pine cone.

Cover each cheeseball with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Let the cheeseballs rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before placing on a serving platter.

Place roasted almonds (starting on the narrow side) into cheese at slight angles, so that the tip of the almond is facing out and pointing down.

Garnish with fresh rosemary and cranberries.

Serve with your favorite crackers and/or veggies

Recipe adapted from: https://www.isavea2z.com/easy-pine-cone-cheese-ball/

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. reduced fat cream cheese, softened
• 6 laughing cow cheese wedges, any flavor
• 4 precooked bacon slices, crumbled
• 1 Tbsp dry ranch dressing mix 
• 1 cup whole almonds, roasted and salted 
• Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish

Directions:

1. Cook precooked bacon slices in the microwave for 50-70 seconds. Crumble and set aside.
2. Combine the softened lightened cream cheese, cheese wedges, bacon crumbles, dry ranch dressing mix into a medium size mixing bowl. Mix until well combined and fluffy. 
3. Lay a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet or platter and place the cheese ball on top of the parchment paper. 
4. Divide the mixture into two portions and shape like a pine cone. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.
5. Let the cheeseballs rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before placing whole roasted almonds ( starting on the narrow side) into cheese at slight angles, so that the tip of the almond is facing out and pointing down.
6. Garnish with fresh rosemary and cranberries. Serve with your favorite crackers and/or veggies

Make 15 ( 2 Tbsp) servings

3 Points® per serving

How do I track this recipe in my WW app? 

Click the link below to go to the recipe builder. You’ll first need to sign into your WW account and then the recipe builder will upload. Be sure to edit the recipe with any ingredients that you use that are different. The recipe builder is the most accurate way to create, obtain, and track the Points®

The recipe builder link only works for WW members located in the United States. If you are located outside of the United States, you’ll need to access the WW app manually to create the recipe in the recipe builder. 

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