This Everything Bagel Cheese Ball is an easy make-ahead appetizer that’s creamy, cheesy, and full of bold flavor. Made with cream cheese, cheddar, colby jack, and scallions, then rolled in Everything Bagel seasoning, it’s the perfect party centerpiece. Serve it with buttery crackers or crisp veggies for a crowd-pleasing snack that’s always a hit at holidays, game days, or gatherings.
Ingredient Tips
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
- Cream cheese: Use a full-fat block, softened at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Unsalted butter: Softened to add extra creaminess and help the cheese mixture hold together.
- Cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded sharp cheddar gives the best flavor and texture.
- Colby jack cheese: Adds a mild, creamy balance to the sharper cheddar.
- Scallions: Finely chopped for a bit of freshness and color.
- Everything Bagel seasoning: The key flavor element, adding crunch, garlic, onion, and sesame notes.
- Crackers or veggies: Serve with Ritz, Club crackers, or sliced vegetables like celery or bell peppers.
Recipe Tips
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for a smoother texture and better flavor.
- Chill the cheese ball long enough for it to firm up, which makes coating it easier.
- Roll the cheese ball in the seasoning right before serving so the coating stays crisp.
- To prevent the seasoning from being too salty, taste your Everything Bagel mix first and adjust the amount as needed.
- This recipe can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator.
Everything Bagel Cheese Ball
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric hand or stand mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Serving tray
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened at room temperature
- ¼ cup chopped scallions
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded colby jack cheese
- ½ cup Everything Bagel seasoning
- Ritz crackers or Club crackers for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, scallions, cheddar, and colby jack. Mix with an electric mixer until well combined and smooth.
- Use a spatula to gather the mixture and shape it into a smooth, even ball.
- Place the cheese ball on a piece of plastic wrap, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
- Once chilled, unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in Everything Bagel seasoning on a plate until evenly coated.
- Transfer to a serving tray and serve chilled with crackers or fresh veggies.
Notes
- The flavor is primarily from the Everything Bagel seasoning, with creamy undertones from the cheeses.
- For a spicy version, mix in ¼ cup (25 g) diced fresh jalapeños.
- Use a cheese knife for serving or dip directly with crackers or vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
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