Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Name: Nicole Cloutier Base: Grand Forks AFB Recipe: Ingredients 6 slices bacon 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1 (1 ounce) package buttermilk Ranch dressing mix 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese 4 green onions, chopped 3 tablespoons chopped black olives 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans (optional) Directions 1.Place the bacon in a large, deep skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate. Chop the cooled bacon into small pieces. 2.Stir together the cream cheese and ranch dressing mix in a bowl until smooth. Add the bacon, Cheddar cheese, green onions, and olives; stir until well combined. Shape the mixture into a ball and roll in the chopped pecans. Refrigerate overnight.