This Everything Bagel Cheese Ball is one of my go-to appetizers for holiday parties and casual get-togethers. It has all the satisfying flavor of a classic cheese ball but with the savory, crunchy coating of everything bagel seasoning, which adds so much great texture and taste. I love that it can be made ahead, which is a lifesaver when you’re hosting.
This recipe is incredibly simple, relying on just a few accessible ingredients to create a big impact. The base is a straightforward mix of softened cream cheese and sharp cheddar, with green onions for a fresh bite. It’s reliable, impressive, and serves a crowd with minimal effort.
Ensuring a Smooth, Creamy Base
The key to a lump-free cheese ball is starting with properly softened cream cheese. If the cheese is too cold, it won’t blend smoothly with the other ingredients. I recommend leaving it on the counter for about an hour before you begin. If you’re short on time, you can cut the block into smaller cubes to speed up the process, or microwave it in very short 10-second bursts until it gives easily when pressed. Your goal is a pliable, soft texture, not a melted one. This ensures you can easily mix everything with just a spatula, creating that perfectly creamy consistency.
How to Balance the Savory Flavors
Everything bagel seasoning is wonderfully potent, but you can tailor this recipe to your own taste. The amount called for gives a solid, flavorful crust, but feel free to adjust. For a deeper, more complex savory note, try mixing in a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce with the cream cheese. If you prefer a little heat, a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce will give it a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors. Start with a small amount, mix, and taste before you add more. The goal is to complement the sharp cheddar and zesty onion, not mask them.
Tips for a Perfect Seasoning Coat
Getting that beautiful, even coating of everything bagel seasoning is the final touch that makes this appetizer look so appealing. After the cheese ball has chilled and firmed up, it will be much easier to handle. Spread the seasoning evenly on a shallow plate or dish. Gently roll the ball in the seasoning, using your hands to lightly press the mix onto the surface. Focus on covering any bare spots to ensure a consistent crunch and flavor in every bite. This firm but gentle pressure helps the seeds and spices adhere without misshaping your perfectly round ball.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling)
- Servings: 8-10
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 454g (16 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 113g (1 cup) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 25g (1/4 cup) green onions, finely chopped
- 45g (1/4 cup) everything bagel seasoning
- 6g (2 tbsp) fresh chives, chopped, for garnish
- 1.5g (1/2 tsp) garlic powder
- 1.5g (1/2 tsp) onion powder
- 1.5g (1/4 tsp) sea salt, to taste
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Combine the Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, finely chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt. Use a sturdy spatula to mix until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Form and Chill the Ball
Spoon the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Pull the edges of the wrap together around the mixture to help you shape it into a tight, round ball. The plastic wrap creates a smooth surface and makes shaping easy. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the ball to firm up.
- Coat with Seasoning
Spread the everything bagel seasoning on a shallow plate. Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the seasoning. Press gently with your hands to make sure the seasoning adheres evenly to the entire surface, creating a complete crust.
- Garnish and Serve
Transfer the coated cheese ball to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately with crackers, sliced vegetables, or toasted baguette slices, or return it to the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
If you enjoy this dish, try our Leftover Vegetable Frittata for a perfect pairing or next-weeknight option.
Substitutions & Variations
- For a smoky flavor, mix in 1/4 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon bits.
- Swap the sharp cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby cheese for a milder, meltier texture.
- Instead of bagel seasoning, roll the cheese ball in finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheat
The cheese ball can be made and shaped up to 2 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. For the best texture, wait to roll it in the everything bagel seasoning until just before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before serving again.
Nutrition
Serving size: approximately 1/8th of the ball. Per serving: 210 calories, 7g protein, 18g fat, 3g carbs. Per 100g: 260 calories, 9g protein, 22g fat, 4g carbs. Estimates only.
FAQ
Why wait to add the seasoning if I am making the cheese ball ahead?
Waiting keeps the coating crisp and fresh. The seasoning can absorb moisture from the cheese base in the fridge, which makes it lose its intended texture.
What is the fastest way to soften cream cheese for a smooth mix?
Cut the cold block into small cubes and spread them on a plate. This increases the surface area, allowing it to soften much faster at room temperature.
My cheese ball mixture isn’t smooth. What might be the cause?
The most common cause is cream cheese that's too cold. It needs to be fully softened to mix evenly with the other ingredients and avoid a lumpy texture.
Can I use a stand mixer or a food processor for the cheese base?
Yes, both work well. A stand mixer with the paddle attachment is great for incorporating ingredients, while a food processor makes the base exceptionally smooth.
What should I do if my cheese mixture looks or feels greasy?
This can happen if the cheese gets too warm. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes. This helps the fats firm up for a better texture.
Is it a good idea to freeze this cheese ball for longer storage?
I don't recommend freezing it. Cream cheese and other dairy can become crumbly or watery after thawing, which will ruin that smooth, creamy texture.
How should I adjust the recipe if I need to make a bigger batch?
You can double the ingredients easily. Just be sure to use a larger bowl and mix thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly combined before you start shaping it.
What are the best things to serve alongside this cheese ball?
Choose sturdy dippers like bagel chips or pretzel crisps. Their crunch contrasts well with the creamy base. Also include some fresh vegetables for a lighter bite.
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Sturdy spatula
- 1 Large piece of plastic wrap
- 1 Shallow plate or dish
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- 454 g (16 oz) Cream cheese softened
- 113 g (1 cup) Sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 25 g (1/4 cup) Green onions finely chopped
- 1.5 g (1/2 tsp) Garlic powder
- 1.5 g (1/2 tsp) Onion powder
- 1.5 g (1/4 tsp) Sea salt to taste
- 45 g (1/4 cup) Everything bagel seasoning
- 6 g (2 tbsp) Fresh chives chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix thoroughly with a sturdy spatula until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Spoon the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap and shape into a tight, round ball.
- Wrap the ball tightly with the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Spread everything bagel seasoning evenly on a shallow plate.
- Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the seasoning, pressing gently to coat evenly.
- Transfer the coated cheese ball to a serving platter and garnish with chopped fresh chives.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
