It was a chilly autumn evening, and I was hosting a cozy gathering of close friends. As they arrived, I welcomed them with a tray of delectable bites – the star of the show being my famous Everything Bagel Cheese Ball. The moment they laid eyes on it, their faces lit up with excitement.
“Oh my goodness, is that your Everything Bagel Cheese Ball?” one of my friends exclaimed. “I’ve been craving it ever since the last time you made it!”
As we settled in, my guests couldn’t resist diving into the creamy, flavor-packed cheese ball, adorned with the signature crunch of everything bagel seasoning. The oohs and aahs that filled the room were music to my ears. It was in that moment that I knew this recipe had become a true staple in our social circle.
Why This Everything Bagel Cheese Ball Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Everything Bagel Cheese Ball
What makes this Everything Bagel Cheese Ball recipe so special? The secret lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. By combining the rich creaminess of softened cream cheese with the sharp, tangy notes of cheddar cheese, and then coating it in a generous layer of everything bagel seasoning, you create a truly irresistible appetizer.
The everything bagel seasoning is the real star of the show, adding a delightful crunch and a burst of savory, herbal flavors that complement the cheese so beautifully. It’s the kind of dish that will have your guests coming back for more, with each bite revealing new layers of flavor.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this incredible Everything Bagel Cheese Ball, you’ll need just a few key ingredients:
- 16 ounces (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened: The foundation of the cheese ball, providing a smooth, creamy texture.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Adding a sharp, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the cream cheese.
- 1/4 cup everything bagel seasoning, plus more for coating: This blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt is the secret to the signature flavor.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives: Lending a touch of freshness and a pop of color.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhancing the savory notes and adding depth to the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Complementing the garlic and tying all the flavors together.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Providing a subtle heat and complexity.
Step-by-Step Everything Bagel Cheese Ball Instructions
Preparing Your Everything Bagel Cheese Ball
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and no cooking required, this Everything Bagel Cheese Ball is a breeze to make. All you need is a mixing bowl, a spatula, and a serving dish or platter.
1- Begin by placing the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Using a spatula, gently mix the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy.
2- Next, add the shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup of the everything bagel seasoning, chopped chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground black pepper. Stir the ingredients together until they’re fully incorporated and the mixture is well-combined.
3- Once the mixture is ready, use your hands to shape it into a smooth, round ball. Place the cheese ball on a serving dish or platter.
4- In a shallow dish, pour some extra everything bagel seasoning. Gently roll the cheese ball in the seasoning, making sure to coat the entire surface evenly.
5- For the finishing touches, use a small spoon or knife to make a few decorative grooves or swirls on the surface of the cheese ball.
6- Your delicious Everything Bagel Cheese Ball is now ready to be served! Arrange it on your serving platter, surrounded by your favorite crackers, breadsticks, or veggie sticks.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Everything Bagel Cheese Ball is a guaranteed hit, here are a few pro tips:
- Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before starting. This will make it much easier to work with and create a smooth, creamy texture.
- Grate the cheddar cheese yourself for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese can sometimes be dry or contain anti-caking agents.
- Be generous with the everything bagel seasoning, both in the mixture and for coating the outside. The more, the better!
- For a more elegant presentation, you can shape the cheese ball into a log or a wreath instead of a round ball.
Serving and Storing Your Everything Bagel Cheese Ball
Perfect Pairings for Everything Bagel Cheese Ball
This Everything Bagel Cheese Ball serves 12 people, making it the perfect appetizer for gatherings big and small. It pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments, such as:
- Assorted crackers, like crostini, water crackers, or everything bagel chips
- Sliced baguette or crusty bread
- Fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, and cucumber
- Crisp apple or pear slices
- A selection of olives, pickles, or other savory bites
- A chilled white wine, sparkling wine, or a light beer
The bold flavors of the Everything Bagel Cheese Ball complement a wide range of beverages, making it a versatile option for any occasion, from casual movie nights to festive holiday parties.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be made in advance, making it the perfect stress-free appetizer for your upcoming gatherings. To store your Everything Bagel Cheese Ball:
- Refrigerate the uncoated cheese ball for up to 5 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the uncoated cheese ball for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before coating and serving.
- When ready to serve, simply coat the cheese ball in the extra everything bagel seasoning and arrange it on your serving platter.
If you’d like to make the cheese ball mixture ahead of time, you can prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, shape the mixture into a ball, coat it in the seasoning, and you’re good to go!
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Everything Bagel Cheese Ball
Creative Everything Bagel Cheese Ball Variations
While the classic Everything Bagel Cheese Ball is a crowd-pleaser, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this recipe:
- Swap in different types of cheese, like Parmesan, Gruyère, or goat cheese, for a unique flavor profile.
- Add in chopped bacon or crispy prosciutto for a savory, protein-packed twist.
- Fold in diced sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a pop of color and sweetness.
- Sprinkle in chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill for an herbal aroma.
- Make it festive by rolling the cheese ball in crushed candy canes or a mixture of crushed nuts and dried cranberries.
Making Everything Bagel Cheese Ball Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this recipe to fit your needs:
- Use low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese and cheddar cheese to cut down on calories and fat.
- Substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free alternative, like cashew or almond-based cheese, for a vegan or lactose-free version.
- Replace the everything bagel seasoning with a gluten-free seasoning blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Omit the garlic and onion powders if you’re following a low-FODMAP diet.
No matter how you choose to customize your Everything Bagel Cheese Ball, the key is to have fun and get creative with the flavors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cheddar?
A: Absolutely! The cheddar cheese provides a nice sharp, tangy flavor, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Parmesan, Gruyère, or even goat cheese for a unique twist.
Q: How long does it take to prepare the Everything Bagel Cheese Ball?
A: The total time to make this recipe is 135 minutes, with just 15 minutes of active prep time. The remaining time is for the cheese ball to chill and firm up before serving.
Q: Can I make the cheese ball in advance?
A: Yes, you can definitely make this ahead of time! The uncoated cheese ball can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, simply coat it in the everything bagel seasoning.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Everything Bagel Cheese Ball recipe yields 12 servings, making it the perfect appetizer for a crowd.
Q: What if my cheese ball doesn’t hold its shape?
A: If your cheese ball is having trouble keeping its form, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour before coating it in the seasoning. The extra time will help it firm up and hold its shape.
Everything Bagel Cheese Ball
- Total Time: 135
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Elevate your snacking game with this irresistible Everything Bagel Cheese Ball! Creamy, savory, and bursting with the flavorful seasoning of an everything bagel, this appetizer is sure to impress your guests and leave them reaching for more.
Ingredients
– 16 ounces (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup everything bagel seasoning, plus more for coating
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup everything bagel seasoning, chopped chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
2. Scoop the cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a ball. Wrap the plastic wrap around the ball and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 3 days.
3. Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Roll the ball in the remaining everything bagel seasoning, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Transfer the coated cheese ball to a serving plate and serve with crackers, breadsticks, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
For a creamier texture, allow the cheese ball to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Everything Bagel Cheese Ball is a true masterpiece of flavor and texture. With its irresistible combination of creamy, tangy cheese and the irresistible crunch of everything bagel seasoning, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a staple in my social circle.
I encourage you to give this a try for your next gathering, whether it’s a cozy movie night with friends or a festive holiday party. Your guests are sure to be wowed by the depth of flavor and the impressive presentation. Don’t be surprised if they start requesting this dish for every get-together – it’s that good! So go ahead, get rolling, and enjoy the accolades that are sure to come your way.
