Everything Bagel Cheese Ball Bites on Crackers

Everything Bagel Cheese Ball

This everything bagel cheese ball is made as individual bites rather than one large ball. Each has a cream cheese-and-cheddar center, a coarse seasoning coating, and its own round cracker. The bites are uncooked; refrigeration firms them enough to roll in seasoning without flattening. Shape them ahead if you like, but coat them and add the crackers close to serving so the seasoning stays distinct and the crackers stay crisp.

Ingredients for Everything Bagel Cheese Ball Bites

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (225g)
• 1 cup finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 115g)
• 2 green onions, finely chopped (about 20g)
• 1/4 cup everything bagel seasoning, or enough to coat the bites (about 30g; weight varies by blend)
• 20 to 24 round savory crackers, for serving

Everything bagel seasoning blends vary in saltiness, so taste yours before adding any extra salt. Bagel chips or fresh vegetables can be served alongside the cracker-topped bites.

How to Make Everything Bagel Cheese Ball Bites

Yield: About 20 to 24 bites. Prep: 20 minutes. Chill: At least 1 hour. Total: About 1 hour 20 minutes.

1. Mix the cheese: Stir or beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the cheddar and green onions until evenly distributed.
2. Shape the bites: Scoop roughly 1-tablespoon portions and gently shape them into approximately 1-inch balls. Set them apart on a parchment-lined tray or large plate. If the mixture is too sticky to shape, refrigerate it briefly before scooping.
3. Chill until firm: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Check a bite after an hour: it should lift and hold its shape without smearing. Chill longer if it is still soft.
4. Coat: Put the everything bagel seasoning in a shallow bowl. Shortly before serving, gently roll each chilled bite through it, pressing lightly to cover most of the surface.
5. Assemble: Place one coated bite on each round cracker just before serving. Serve cold, keeping extra bites chilled and crackers separate until needed.

How to Keep the Bites Round

If a bite flattens or smears as you coat it, return the bites to the refrigerator until they are firmer. Keep them in a single layer while they chill so they do not press against one another. Slightly irregular shapes are fine; the bites only need to be firm enough to hold their shape as you roll them.

Make-Ahead and Storage

For make-ahead preparation, cover and refrigerate the shaped bites, preferably in a single layer. Leave them uncoated until close to serving, then place them on crackers at the last moment. Crackers stored beneath the cheese will soften.

Refrigerate leftover bites in an airtight container for up to 4 days, with crackers stored separately. Serve cold; no reheating is needed.

For a shared, full-size appetizer instead, try this classic cheese ball with pecans.

Nutrition

Approximate nutrition per bite with one cracker, based on 22 bites: 80 calories, 2g protein, 7g fat, and 3g carbohydrates. Per 100g: approximately 380 calories, 12g protein, 32g fat, and 15g carbohydrates. Values vary with the seasoning blend, cracker brand, and bite size.