Everything Bagel Seasoning Cheese Ball
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There’s always at least one cheese ball at my holiday table or game day spread, and this version with everything bagel seasoning is a crowd favorite.
It’s creamy, savory, and loaded with flavor from three different cheeses. The best part? It only takes one brick of cream cheese to pull together, making it the perfect small appetizer. Of course, you can easily double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd.
I like serving this spread with carrots and celery for a fresh crunch, but it’s just as good with pretzels or buttery crackers like Ritz, Wheat Thins, or Clubs. Basically, if it dips and scoops, it works.
If you’re as obsessed with cheese ball recipes as I am, don’t miss my sweet peanut butter cheese ball or this savory ham and pecan cheese ball.
What You Need to Make an Everything Bagel Cheese Ball
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning, divided
- Fresh carrots, celery, pretzels, and assorted crackers for serving
- Not all everything bagel seasoning blends are the same; some are heavier on salt. If yours is extra salty, hold back a little and adjust before rolling.
How to Make a Cheese Ball with Everything Bagel Seasoning
In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning. Mix until smooth.
(The cream cheese blends easiest if you let it sit out for 30 minutes; otherwise, you’ll fight clumps.)
Shape into a ball and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. If the mixture feels too soft to shape, pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes first and then shape.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the flavors to blend and firm up.
Just before serving, roll the mixture in the remaining 2 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning to coat the outside.
Like most cream cheese-based appetizers, this should stay chilled until serving. I tested this with both pretzels and celery, and honestly, the seasoning goes so well with fresh veggies. Works well with a serving knife since cream cheese based dips can harden back up a bit in the fridge.
What Crackers and Vegetables Go Best with This Appetizer?
Because this dip is made with cream cheese, which solidifies in the fridge, strong crackers and veggies are best. Here are some suggestions for your tray –
- Veggies: Carrots, celery sticks, bell pepper slices, cucumber rounds.
- Crackers: Ritz, Wheat Thins, Club crackers, Triscuits, or water crackers.
- Other ideas: Pretzel thins, pretzel snaps, or toasted baguette slices.
Can You Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! In fact, this cream cheese appetizer is one of the easiest make-ahead recipes. You can prepare it up to two days in advance. Just wait to roll it in the seasoning until right before serving so the coating stays fresh and crunchy.
How to Store Leftovers
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This spread will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. Be sure to store crackers and veggies separately so they don’t soften.
- PARTY TIP: Since this recipe is dairy-heavy, don’t leave it out longer than 2 hours at room temperature.
Can You Freeze an Everything Bagel Cheese Ball?
You can freeze it, but the texture won’t be quite as creamy after thawing, and I do NOT recommend it. If you’d like to freeze, wrap well in both plastic wrap and foil, then store up to 1 month.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and roll in the seasoning after thawing for the best texture.
Easy Flavor Variations
- Swap the cheddar for pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a little kick.
- Add a pinch of garlic or onion powder to boost the seasoning.
- Roll in chopped fresh herbs or toasted sesame seeds along with the bagel mix.
And if you prefer a sweet version, this chocolate chip cheese ball is always a fun dessert option.
If appetizers are your love language, I’ve got a whole section of tried-and-true recipes tested in my own kitchen.
Everything Bagel Cheese Ball
Equipment
- plastic wrap
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning divided
- Fresh carrots celery, pretzels, and assorted crackers for serving
Instructions
- Let the cream cheese sit out for about 30 minutes so it softens. This makes mixing much easier and prevents clumps.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning. I find that a spatula is super helpful with scraping sides and mixing. Combine until smooth and well blended.
- Shape the mixture into a ball. If it feels too soft to hold its shape, it is fine to place the bowl in the fridge for about 15 minutes, then form it into a ball. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to firm up and allow the flavors to develop.
- Just before serving, roll the cheese ball in the remaining 2 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning until evenly coated.
- Keep chilled until ready to serve, then pair with fresh vegetables, pretzels, or strong crackers.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer: The nutritional data provided here is auto-calculated and intended for your convenience only. As it’s generated via automation, its accuracy may be compromised. For precise nutritional insight, please compute the values utilizing the actual ingredients in your recipe through your chosen nutrition calculator or application.
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