This Everything Bagel Cheese Ball is an effortless make-ahead appetizer that’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bold savory flavor. A blend of cream cheese, butter, shredded cheddar and colby jack, plus fresh scallions, is formed into a smooth ball and rolled in Everything Bagel seasoning for crunch and bright notes of garlic and onion. It chills up firm and spreads beautifully on crackers or fresh vegetables—perfect for holidays, game day, or any gathering where you want a crowd-pleasing centerpiece.
Ingredient Tips
The full ingredient list with exact quantities and measurements appears in the recipe card below.
- Cream cheese: Choose a full-fat block, softened at room temperature so it blends to a silky texture.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness and helps the mixture set.
- Cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded sharp cheddar gives the best flavor and texture.
- Colby jack cheese: Adds mild, creamy balance to the sharper cheddar.
- Scallions: Finely chopped for brightness and color.
- Everything Bagel seasoning: The defining seasoning—sesame, poppy, garlic and onion—for crunch and savory punch.
- Crackers or veggies: Serve with buttery crackers or crisp vegetable slices for contrast.
Recipe Tips
- Soften the cream cheese and butter completely before mixing to avoid lumps and get a smooth consistency.
- Use freshly shredded cheese (not pre-shredded) for the creamiest texture and best melt-in-your-mouth flavor.
- Chill the shaped cheese ball for at least a couple of hours so it firms up and is easy to coat.
- Coat the ball in Everything Bagel seasoning just before serving to keep the topping crisp.
- Taste your seasoning first and adjust the amount if your mix is particularly salty.
- This cheese ball can be made up to 2 days ahead—keep it wrapped and refrigerated until serving.
click the stars to rate!
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
- 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 the softened cream cheese and butter with the chopped scallions, shredded cheddar, and shredded colby jack. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
-
Use a spatula to scrape and shape the mixture into a smooth, even ball.
-
Place the shaped ball on a piece of plastic wrap, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
-
When chilled, unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in Everything Bagel seasoning on a plate until evenly coated.
-
Transfer to a serving tray and keep chilled until serving. Offer crackers or fresh vegetables for spreading and dipping.
Notes
- The Everything Bagel seasoning provides most of the flavor, while the cheeses give a rich, creamy base.
- For a spicy variation, fold in ¼ cup diced fresh jalapeño to the cheese mixture.
- Serve with a cheese knife or let guests scoop with crackers or vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is approximate and provided for convenience.
did you make this recipe?
Share your results on social media and tag the recipe source if you’d like to show how yours turned out.
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and share photos on your social channels to let others know how it turned out.