Bacon Ranch Cheese Log Appetizer

This Bacon Ranch Cheese Log Appetizer is quick, easy, and delicious… perfect for any festive celebration!  With ranch seasoning, cream cheese, sour cream, parsley, green onions, sun-dried tomatoes and crispy bacon - a mouth-watering appetizer that’s perfect with crackers, crostinis, or fresh veggies.

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Jump to:

• Bacon Ranch Cheese Log!
• Reader Review
• What is a cheese log vs. cheese ball:
• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• The Cheese Log Appetizer Ingredients
• Tips & Tricks for the Cheese Log Appetizer
• How to make this Bacon Ranch Cheese Log Appetizer:
• What to Serve with the Bacon Ranch Cheese Log Appetizer
• How to Serve, Store and Freeze this Cheese Log
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Bacon Ranch Cheese Log Appetizer

Bacon Ranch Cheese Log!

Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-savory—with bacon to take it over the top! Use precooked bacon, swap in salami, or go meat-free if you must (but why would you?). This crowd-pleasing cheese log is perfect for the holidays, big parties, or anytime you want an easy, show-stopping appetizer.

But don't take my word for it, here's what a reader has to say about it...

Reader Review

⭐ “Love this cheese log! The creamy ranch and bacon combo was a hit with my guests. I made it ahead for game day and it disappeared fast.” — Shelley ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This Bacon Ranch Cheese Log was inspired by two of my favorite appetizers: an Italian Torta with layers of cream cheese, feta, pesto, and sun-dried tomatoes, and a ranch-based dip with bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, and green onions. I combined the best of both into one easy, mouth-watering cheese log appetizer.

What is a cheese log vs. cheese ball:

A cheese log and a cheese ball are made from the same creamy, savory cheese mixture. The main difference is the shape. A cheese ball is rolled into a round ball, while a cheese log is shaped into a long cylinder, which makes it easier to slice and serve with crackers.

Both usually start with cream cheese mixed with shredded cheese, seasonings like garlic or onion powder, and mix-ins such as nuts, bacon, or fresh herbs, then rolled in a flavorful coating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Party Favorite: With minimal prep and no complicated steps, this cheese log is a go-to for holidays, game day, or any gathering where you want to impress without the stress.
• Make-Ahead & Freezable: Prepare it hours—or even days—ahead, then chill or freeze until party time. It’s a lifesaver for busy hosts who want a polished appetizer ready to serve.
• Savory & Flavorful: Each bite delivers rich, creamy cheese paired with zesty ranch seasoning and crispy bacon for a bold, irresistible flavor combination.
• Versatile Serving: Serve it with crackers, baguette slices, crostini, or crisp veggies—making it easy to customize for any crowd or occasion.

The Cheese Log Appetizer Ingredients

• Cream cheese (16 oz) – The base for the rich, creamy texture.
• Sour cream (⅓ cup) - Adds tang, and smoothness.  And thins out the cream cheese for easy dipping.
• Ranch seasoning (1 tbsp) – crowd-pleasing, bold, and zesty flavor.
• Cooked bacon (2 oz) – Smoky and savory taste with a little crunchy texture.
• Sun-dried tomatoes in oil (5 oz) – Gives a sweet, and tangy flavor.
• Green onions (1 cup) – Offers a fresh, earthy balance.
• Parsley (3 Tbsp) – Adds herbaceous flavor and some bright color.
• Crackers/ crostinis/ pretzels/veggies - Perfect for serving, scooping, and devouring.

Tips & Tricks for the Cheese Log Appetizer

• Let cream cheese reach room temperature so it mixes smoothly. 
• Use a food processor to chop sun-dried tomatoes evenly. 
• Press firmly into the pan so the log holds its shape. 
• Serve with variety of crackers, crostinis, and fresh veggies.

How to make this Bacon Ranch Cheese Log Appetizer:

Prep your Ingredients

Allow your cream cheese to soften either by sitting on the counter for a bit or heating in the microwave. 

Then add your sour cream and ranch seasoning and mix thoroughly.

Now, chop your sun-dried tomatoes in the food processor or with a knife.

Then add them, along with crumbled bacon, chopped green onions and parsley.

Mix all the ingredients together.

How to Shape a Cheese Log

Use two mini loaf pans or one large loaf pan (I like using two mini loaf pans because I can serve one and freeze one to save for another time). You can also use Tupperware as well – it works great for storing.

Spray your loaf pan(s) with cooking spray and line the container with saran wrap – leaving enough hanging over edges to use as a cover for the log. This will also help you pop it out when it’s time.

Now add your mixture to the pan – pressing it down into the corners with a rubber spatula and then smoothing out the top.

Fold your plastic over the top of the cheese log and either refrigerate for 4 hours, or freeze. You can freeze this for up to 2 months if you’d like… just be sure to thaw in the fridge at least 4 hours before serving.

What to Serve with the Bacon Ranch Cheese Log Appetizer

I like to supply a few cheese knives for serving and spreading this yumminess onto crackers or plates.

You can serve this Bacon Ranch Cheese Log Appetizer with your favorite crackers, crostinis, pretzels, pretzel chips, or fresh veggies - or just eat it with a spoon. But who do you know that would ever do that?  Ahem.😉

And if you're hosting a party here are some other appetizers that would be perfect served along side this cheese log...  Baked Brie in Puff Pastry, Stuffed Mushrooms with Spinach, and Feta, and Mini Salmon Cakes with Sriracha Lemon Aioli 

How to Serve, Store and Freeze this Cheese Log

Serve: When it’s time to serve, just unwrap the plastic wrap and gently loosen the loaf by pulling on the plastic wrap.

Turn your serving platter upside-down, and place it on top of the upright loaf tin.  Holding them together, flip them over and that loaf should pop right out.  If not just give the plastic wrap a few more tugs.

Now it’s time to make it pretty! I like to sprinkle some more julienned sun-dried tomatoes on top, along with some parsley.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 4–5 days.
Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months (thaw in fridge before serving). 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?

Yes! Make it the day before and chill—flavors meld beautifully.

Can I freeze it?

Yes. Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw thoroughly before serving. 

Can I skip the bacon or use a substitute?

Yes! You can use precooked bacon or swap it with salami. For a meat-free option, leave the meat out and add veggies like artichoke hearts, olives, diced sweet peppers, or cucumbers.

Is this gluten-free?

The cheese log itself is gluten-free; pair with gluten-free crackers to keep it GF. 

This Bacon Ranch Cheese Log Appetizer recipe brings big party flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting the holidays, tailgating, or preparing snacks for friends, this cheesy ranch bacon log is a guaranteed hit. Prep ahead, freeze extras, and enjoy the rave reviews from happy guests! 

Happy Holidays and Happy Eating my friend!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you’ve made this Bacon Ranch Cheese Log, tap the stars below to leave a rating and let us know how it turned out in the comments!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you’ve made this Bacon Ranch Cheese Log, tap the stars above to leave a rating and let us know how it turned out in the comments!