BACON RANCH CHEESE BALL

BACON RANCH CHEESE BALL 2 (8 oz each) packages cream cheese 1 (1 oz.) packet dry buttermilk ranch dressing mix ½ cup cheddar cheese, grated ¼ cup green onion, thinly sliced 6 pieces of bacon, fried and crumbled ¼ cup chopped black olives, optional 1 cup pecans or almonds, finely chopped for coating Mix together the cream cheese and dry ranch packet. I put mine in the mixer and used the paddle attatchment. That made it so easy. Otherwise, mix in a bowl until smooth. Add the cheese, onions, olive if using and bacon. If you are short on time, buy the real bacon bits and add about a ½ cup. Shape into a ball. Roll it in the nuts to coat the outside. You can make one big ball or two smaller ones. Keep it stored in the refrigerator. NOTES The first time that I made this recipe I used almonds. But since I only had pecans on hand I used them. Feel free to use whichever you would like! I also forgot the sliced olives (again!) but that would be a yummy addition as well!