There’s something incredibly satisfying about the process of creating a cheese ball, especially when it’s infused with the beloved flavors of an Everything Bagel. I can still recall the laughter and cheers that erupted at my last gathering the moment I unveiled my Everything Bagel Cheese Ball. The delightful melody of cream cheese and sharp cheddar, paired with the crunch of everything bagel seasoning, makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser that sparks joy in every bite.

Perfect for any occasion, from casual game nights to festive parties, this easy-to-prepare appetizer transforms your kitchen into the heart of the celebration. Imagine the flavors dancing on your palate—savory, creamy, and just a hint of spice, all wrapped in a familiar and comforting crunch. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking for a charming way to impress guests, this cheese ball is a delicious way to break the monotony of fast food and create heartfelt moments with your friends and family. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring that warmth to your next gathering!

Why love Everything Bagel Cheese Ball?

Delightful flavors await you with this charming appetizer! The creamy blend of cream cheese and sharp cheddar mixed with the crunch of everything bagel seasoning guarantees a taste sensation that will elevate any occasion. Versatile and easy, it’s a dish that you can customize with various mix-ins like diced vegetables or herbs. Perfect for gatherings, it’s sure to be the star of your party spread, bringing friends together around the table. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to ditch the fast food routine and enjoy delightful homemade creations. Pair it with crispy bagel chips, or consider our amazing Savory Chicken Cheesesteak for a full-flavored feast!

Everything Bagel Cheese Ball Ingredients

For the Cheese Ball

Cream Cheese – the creamy base that gives this everything bagel cheese ball its rich flavor; Neufchâtel is a lighter alternative.
Sharp Cheddar – adds tang and depth; swap for mild cheddar if you prefer a softer taste.
Minced Scallions – brings a lovely freshness; chives work as a great substitute.
Soy Sauce – enhances richness with umami; use low-sodium for a healthier twist.
Garlic Powder – infuses a delightful garlicky hint; fresh minced garlic can intensify the flavor.
Black Pepper – offers a touch of mild heat; adjust to suit your taste preference.
Lemon Juice – adds a refreshing acidity; fresh-squeezed is preferable for optimal flavor.
Hot Sauce – gives it a spicy kick; feel free to omit for a milder option.
Everything Bagel Seasoning – the star ingredient for flavor; a homemade blend of sesame seeds, garlic, and onion can be a substitute.

For the Bagel Chips

Bagels – sliced thinly to create crisp chips; ensure uniform thickness for even baking.
Olive Oil – a light drizzle helps achieve golden, crispy chips; use cooking spray for a lighter option.

Dive into these ingredients and get ready to impress with your Everything Bagel Cheese Ball!

How to Make Everything Bagel Cheese Ball

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. This step is essential for toasting those delicious bagel chips that will accompany your cheese ball.
Prepare Bagel Chips: Take your bagels and slice them thinly, about ¼-inch thick. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are golden and crisp to perfection.
Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sharp cheddar, minced scallions, soy sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, lemon juice, and hot sauce. Blend them until the mixture is smooth and creamy, bringing all those lovely flavors together.
Shape Cheese Ball: Using a spatula or your hands, scoop out the cheese mixture and carefully shape it into a rustic ball. The beauty of this cheese ball is its charming, homemade look!
Coat with Seasoning: Gently roll your formed cheese ball in the everything bagel seasoning, ensuring it’s evenly coated all around. This is where the magic happens, as the seasoning adds that quintessential flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Your Everything Bagel Cheese Ball is now ready to be served! You can enjoy it immediately with your freshly baked bagel chips, or wrap it and refrigerate for up to three days, allowing the flavors to deepen.

Optional: Serve with fresh veggies for a colorful platter!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Storage Tips for Everything Bagel Cheese Ball

Fridge: Store your Everything Bagel Cheese Ball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps preserve its freshness and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cheese ball for up to 3 months. Wrap it well to prevent freezer burn, and remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: Enjoy it cold or at room temperature. If you prefer to warm it slightly, place it in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes just until it softens, but avoid overheating to maintain its creamy texture.
Serve Again: If refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to enhance its flavor and spreadability.

Everything Bagel Cheese Ball Variations

Get ready to customize your delicious cheese ball with exciting twists that will enhance the flavors and cater to your taste!

Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the cheese mixture for an extra layer of freshness and scent. They bring a vibrant burst of color that looks just as delightful as it tastes.
Veggie Boost: Incorporate finely diced peppers or olives for added crunch and flavor. It’s a wonderful way to sneak in some extra nutrients and elevate the overall texture!
Spicy Kick: Use a spicy hot sauce or mix in some crushed red pepper flakes for a fiery twist. This variation ignites the cheese ball with warmth that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Sour Cream Substitute: Swap half of the cream cheese with sour cream for a tangier flavor. The creamy texture still shines through while creating a delightful twist that surprises your palate.
Tasty Toasted Nuts: Fold in chopped toasted walnuts or pecans for a rich, nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch. They add a lovely warmth to the cheese ball, perfect for cozy gatherings.
Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese with cashew or almond cream cheese to create a dairy-free version. This variation allows everyone to enjoy the flavors without compromising on taste!
Smoky Flavor: Add some smoked paprika or use smoked cheddar instead of sharp cheddar for a tantalizing smoky profile. When you serve this cheese ball, your guests won’t be able to resist a second helping.
Crispy Bacon Bits: Fold in crumbled bacon for a savory finish that will complement the cheese ball beautifully. The salty, crispy bits provide a mouthwatering twist that’s utterly irresistible!

Feel free to experiment and find your unique favorite version of this Everything Bagel Cheese Ball!

What to Serve with Everything Bagel Cheese Ball?

Imagine a vibrant gathering full of laughter, connections, and tantalizing flavors that come together seamlessly.

Crispy Bagel Chips: The perfect vehicle for enjoying the cheese ball, their crunchiness complements the creamy interior beautifully. Toast them to a golden perfection for an irresistible pairing.
Fresh Vegetable Sticks: Carrot, celery, and cucumber sticks bring a refreshing crunch and contrast to the richness of the cheese ball. They’re a lighter option that adds color and nutrition to your appetizer spread.
Savory Crackers: Choose an assortment of your favorite crackers—whole grain, herb-flavored, or classic water crackers. Their various textures enhance the cheesy delight, creating an elegant touch to your table.
Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like grapes, apple slices, or figs can balance the savory flavor of the cheese ball with a touch of sweetness. This combo refreshes the palate between bites.
Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling wine, complements the creaminess of the cheese while elevating the entire culinary experience.
Mini Pickles or Olives: Tangy and briny, these add a delightful contrast to the richness of the cheese ball. Their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for snacking.

With these delightful offerings alongside your Everything Bagel Cheese Ball, you’ll create a memorable culinary celebration that keeps everyone coming back for more!

Expert Tips for Everything Bagel Cheese Ball

Even Thickness: Slice bagels uniformly at about ¼-inch thick to ensure they toast evenly and achieve that perfect crunch.
Taste Testing: Always taste the cheese mixture before shaping it into a ball. This allows you to adjust the seasoning, ensuring there’s not too much or too little punch in your Everything Bagel Cheese Ball.
Cooling Time: Let the cheese mixture cool slightly before rolling it in the bagel seasoning; this helps maintain the shape of the cheese ball and ensures an even coating.
Customize: Experiment with different herbs and mix-ins like minced garlic or diced peppers. This is the perfect opportunity to make your Everything Bagel Cheese Ball uniquely yours!
Make Ahead: You can prepare the cheese ball a day in advance! Just refrigerate it wrapped tightly to enhance the flavors before serving.

Make Ahead Options

These Everything Bagel Cheese Balls are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cheese mixture and shape it into a ball up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring that you cover it tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its freshness. Additionally, you can make the bagel chips ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to entertain, simply roll the cheese ball in everything bagel seasoning, serve it with the chips, and watch as your guests delight in the scrumptious, creamy flavor. This make-ahead strategy saves you precious time on busy days, allowing you to enjoy quality moments with friends and family!

Everything Bagel Cheese Ball Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right cream cheese?
Absolutely! For the creamiest texture, opt for full-fat cream cheese; however, Neufchâtel cheese can be a delightful low-fat alternative without sacrificing flavor.

How should I store my Everything Bagel Cheese Ball?
Very simply! Wrap your cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze the cheese ball?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Everything Bagel Cheese Ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

What should I do if my cheese ball is too soft?
If your Everything Bagel Cheese Ball ends up softer than desired, do not fret! Place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up. Alternatively, if mixed too much, add a little more cream cheese or sharp cheddar for added structure.

Is this recipe suitable for people with allergies?
Be aware! This recipe contains dairy and soy components. For those with lactose intolerance, consider lactose-free cream cheese and cheddar. You can also adapt the recipe to be gluten-free by using gluten-free bagels or serving it with veggie sticks instead.

What can I use instead of everything bagel seasoning?
If you need an alternative, no worries! You can create a homemade seasoning by mixing equal parts of sesame seeds, garlic powder, dried onion, and poppy seeds. This ensures you still capture that signature flavor without the store-bought blend.