Go Back
To make the Everything Bagel Cheese Ball, you need some tasty ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 16 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1/4 cup chopped green onions - 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning - Optional: assorted crackers and vegetable sticks for serving These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy cheese ball. The cream cheese gives a nice base. The cheddar adds sharpness, while sour cream makes it smooth. Fresh herbs like dill and green onions bring bright flavors. The lemon juice adds a twist, and garlic powder gives depth. Finally, the everything bagel seasoning coats the outside, adding texture and taste. When you gather your ingredients, choose fresh herbs for the best flavor. You can also mix in your favorite snacks for serving. Crackers and veggie sticks work well. They add crunch and pair nicely with the cheese ball. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Mixing the cheese base Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Add 16 ounces of softened cream cheese. Next, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of sour cream. Use a handheld mixer or spatula to mix until the blend is smooth and creamy. 2. Adding flavorings and seasonings Once your cheese base is ready, it's time to add flavor. Mix in 1/4 cup of chopped green onions, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh dill, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Then, add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until all the ingredients blend well. 3. Shaping the cheese ball After mixing, gently form the cheese mixture into a ball shape. Make sure it is compact and holds together well. 4. Coating with everything bagel seasoning Roll the cheese ball in 3 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning. Ensure that the ball is completely coated. Press the seasoning onto the surface so it sticks nicely. 5. Refrigeration process Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This step helps the cheese ball firm up and enhances the flavors. 6. Serving suggestions When you're ready to serve, take the cheese ball from the fridge. Let it sit for about 10 minutes so it softens slightly. Transfer it to a serving platter. Pair it with assorted crackers and vegetable sticks for a tasty treat. Garnish the platter with fresh dill and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for a beautiful touch. To get a smooth and creamy cheese ball, start by softening the cream cheese. Leave it out at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This step is key. If the cream cheese is too cold, it will not mix well. Next, use a handheld mixer or spatula to blend the cheese. Mix until it is fully smooth. This makes the cheese ball creamy and easy to spread. To maximize flavor, mix in your herbs and spices well. When you add green onions, dill, lemon juice, and garlic powder, stir until you don’t see any lumps. This helps each bite burst with flavor. A beautiful cheese ball makes a great snack. For a fresh touch, garnish with sprigs of dill. Place these around the cheese ball on your serving tray. It adds color and makes it inviting. Choose colorful trays or platters to serve your cheese ball. Bright colors attract attention. You can also add a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning on top for extra flair. This makes the dish look appealing and fun to eat. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your cream cheese and sour cream to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. This will help achieve a smoother and creamier texture. Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings. Try adding spices like smoked paprika or onion powder to give it a unique twist. Chill for Better Flavor: Letting the cheese ball chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours allows the flavors to meld together more effectively, enhancing the overall taste. Presentation Matters: For an attractive serving, place the cheese ball on a wooden board and surround it with a variety of crackers and colorful vegetable sticks for a vibrant platter. {{image_2}} You can make the Everything Bagel Cheese Ball even more fun. Try adding nuts or seeds for a crunch. Chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds work great. Just mix them in with the other ingredients. This adds texture and a nutty flavor. You can also use different cheeses. Instead of cheddar, try Monterey Jack or smoked gouda. Each cheese brings its own taste. Mixing cheeses creates a unique flavor experience. You can even use a blend of cream cheese and goat cheese for tanginess. For gluten-free options, choose gluten-free crackers. Many brands offer tasty alternatives. This way, everyone can enjoy the cheese ball. You can also serve it with veggie sticks like carrots or bell peppers. If you're looking for vegan adaptations, swap out the cream cheese for a plant-based version. Use nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavor. You can mix in silken tofu for creaminess. This way, everyone can enjoy this dish, no matter their diet. To keep your Everything Bagel Cheese Ball fresh, store it in the fridge. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This helps keep the cheese ball moisture inside. Place it in an airtight container for extra protection. It’s best to eat it within a week. If you want to save it longer, freezing is an option. To freeze, wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and then in foil. This method prevents freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight. In the fridge, your cheese ball lasts about 5 to 7 days. After that, it may start to spoil. Look for changes in smell or texture. If it smells sour or feels slimy, it’s time to toss it out. Always trust your senses when checking for spoilage. Keeping track of how long it has been stored helps ensure you enjoy it at its best. You can make the cheese ball a day in advance. Just prepare it as usual and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge. This lets the flavors blend well. When ready to serve, let it sit out for about 10 minutes. It will soften nicely for easy spreading. Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese. It will still taste great. The texture might be a bit different but it works well. Just mix it the same way as full-fat cream cheese. The seasonings and flavors will still shine through. I love pairing this cheese ball with various crackers. Here are some great options: - Water crackers - Whole grain crackers - Pita chips - Rye crisps - Veggie sticks like carrots and celery These options give you a nice crunch and balance the creamy cheese. To soften cream cheese fast, cut it into small chunks. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it in short bursts, about 10 seconds each. Check it often to avoid melting. You want it soft, not runny. This makes mixing so much easier! This blog post showed you how to make a tasty cheese ball. You learned about key ingredients like cream cheese and cheddar. The step-by-step guide helped you mix and shape the cheese ball. Tips gave you ideas for texture and presentation. Plus, we explored fun variations for everyone. As you try this recipe, remember to get creative. Enjoy sharing this delicious treat with friends and family! Your gatherings will shine with this easy dish.

Everything Bagel Cheese Ball

A delicious cheese ball coated in everything bagel seasoning, perfect for parties.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
  • assorted crackers and vegetable sticks for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Mix until smooth and creamy using a handheld mixer or spatula.
  • Add the green onions, fresh dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the cheese mixture. Mix until well incorporated.
  • Once combined, gently form the cheese mixture into a ball shape.
  • Roll the cheese ball in the everything bagel seasoning until fully covered. Make sure to press the seasoning onto the surface for better adhesion.
  • Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
  • When ready to serve, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and let it sit for about 10 minutes to soften slightly.
  • Transfer the cheese ball to a serving platter and serve with assorted crackers and vegetable sticks.

Notes

Garnish the platter with additional fresh dill sprigs and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for an eye-catching presentation.
Keyword appetizer, cheese ball, party food