There’s something special about a good cheese ball; it’s creamy, packed with flavor, and makes any gathering feel a little more festive. This Everything Bagel Cheese Ball Recipe is a true party appetizer, combining a creamy cheese mixture with bold bagel seasoning, making it the perfect appetizer for game days, potlucks, and holiday gatherings. Whether you’re serving it with bagel chips, pita chips, pretzel sticks, or fresh vegetables, this flavorful cheese ball is an easy appetizer recipe that will be a huge hit at your next get-together.
Every time I bring this cheese ball to a gathering, people are asking me for the recipe. The flavor is so good that it's hard to stop eating.
This bagel cheeseball is an easy way to impress your guests with minimal effort. Whether you’re making it for the first time or it’s your favorite recipe, it’s guaranteed to be a huge hit at any gathering.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Any Time of Year: Whether it’s football game day, the holiday season, or a casual weekend gathering, this classic appetizer fits right in.
- Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients: A handful of simple ingredients from your local grocery store come together for an effortless yet impressive dish.
- Incredibly Versatile: Serve it as a large ball, form it into mini cheese ball bites, or even shape it into a small pumpkin for a fun seasonal twist.
- A Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The mix of cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheddar creates a cheese ball mixture that’s ultra-creamy and full of much flavor, while the bagel seasoning mix adds a satisfying crunch.
- Great for Meal Prep: This wrapped cheese ball can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container until ready to serve, making it an excellent choice for busy hosts.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Cheese grader
- Large sheet of plastic wrap
- Small plate (for rolling the cheese ball in seasoning)
Ingredients
- Softened cream cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese (or block of white cheddar cheese, shredded)
- Sour cream
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Dry dill
- Everything Bagel Seasoning Blend (for coating)
- Optional add-ins: green onions, black sesame seeds, fresh chives, or parmesan cheese
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Mix the Cheese Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and dry dill. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Place the cheese ball mixture in the center of the plastic wrap. Wrap it tightly, forming it into a ball shape (or smaller cheeseballs if making mini cheese balls).
- Chill for Flavor: Refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
- Coat with Seasoning: Unwrap and roll the cream cheese ball in bagel seasoning until fully coated.
- Store Until Ready to Serve: Rewrap in fresh plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Serve & Enjoy: Place on a flat surface like a cutting board and serve with bagel crisps, sturdy crackers, tortilla chips, or favorite veggies!
How To Serve
This great appetizer is delicious with:
- Bagel crisps, pita chips, and pretzel sticks
- Fresh vegetables like celery, carrots, and cucumbers
- Grapes and salami
- Tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast
- A side of the bowl filled with warm, toasted bread
Variations
- Pumpkin Shape: Roll in orange-hued seasoning or crushed chips for a festive fall look.
- Mini Cheese Balls: Scoop small portions onto a small plate and roll each into a smaller ball for individual servings.
- Spicy Twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or parmesan cheese for an extra kick.
- Different Flavors: Swap out the bagel seasoning blend for another spice mix like ranch or garlic herb.
How To Store and Make Ahead
- Make Ahead: This cheese ball can be prepared 2-3 days in advance—just keep it in the fridge in an airtight container.
- Leftovers: Store in a glass jar or wrap it tightly in plastic to keep it fresh for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture may change.
FAQ
You can find bagel seasoning at your local grocery store, Trader Joe’s, or even online through on Amazon.
Skip the bagel chips and serve with fresh veggies or sturdy crackers that fit your calorie diet.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
Everything Bagel Cheese Ball
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Cheese grader
- Large sheet of plastic wrap
- Small plate (for rolling the cheese ball in seasoning)
Ingredients
- 16 oz softened cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or block of white cheddar cheese shredded
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tablespoon dry dill
- Everything Bagel Seasoning Blend for coating
- Optional add-ins: green onions black sesame seeds fresh chives, or parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Mix the Cheese Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and dry dill. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Place the cheese ball mixture in the center of the plastic wrap. Wrap it tightly, forming it into a ball shape (or smaller cheeseballs if making mini cheese balls).
- Chill for Flavor: Refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
- Coat with Seasoning: Unwrap and roll the cream cheese ball in bagel seasoning until fully coated.
- Store Until Ready to Serve: Rewrap in fresh plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Serve & Enjoy: Place on a flat surface like a cutting board and serve with bagel crisps, sturdy crackers, tortilla chips, or favorite veggies!
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