Everything Bagel Cheddar Cheese Ball Recipe

If you love the bold flavors of an everything bagel with cream cheese, you’ll adore this Everything Bagel Cheddar Cheese Ball recipe. Ready in about 10 minutes, it’s savory, easy to make, and an ideal appetizer for parties, game day, or a simple snack.

Everything bagel seasoning—poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic and onion, and flaky sea salt—has moved far beyond bagels. In this recipe it forms a crunchy, flavorful crust that complements the creamy, tangy interior of the cheese ball. I like to use Cabot Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese for its robust flavor, shredded and mixed with cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and green onions for a classic, crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 1 cup Cabot Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup green onions, diced
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning, divided (1 tablespoon mixed into the cheese, 2 tablespoons for rolling)

Instructions

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated cheddar, diced green onions, Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning. Stir until thoroughly combined and smooth. Quick tip: To soften cream cheese quickly, leave it on the counter for about 30 minutes.
2. Use your hands or a spatula to shape the mixture into a compact ball.
3. Spread the remaining 2 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning on a sheet of plastic wrap or a shallow plate. Place the cheese ball on the seasoning and roll until it’s evenly coated on all sides.
4. Wrap the seasoned cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Chilling helps the ball hold its shape while serving.
5. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator, unwrap, and place on a serving plate with an assortment of crackers and vegetables.

What to serve with it

This Everything Bagel Cheddar Cheese Ball pairs well with fresh vegetables and a variety of crackers. Try:

• Vegetables: carrot sticks, celery sticks, cauliflower florets, broccoli florets
• Crackers & chips: everything bagel–flavored crackers, bagel chips, wheat crackers, Triscuits, Ritz, pita chips, pretzel crisps

It also makes a delicious centerpiece on a charcuterie board alongside sliced salami, pickles, and fresh fruit.

Frequently asked questions

• How far in advance can I make the cheese ball? You can make the cheese ball up to 5 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated until serving.
• Is this recipe gluten free? Using the ingredients listed here, the recipe is gluten free. Check the labels on Worcestershire sauce or any packaged seasoning you use to confirm they are gluten free. Serve the cheese ball with vegetables or certified gluten-free crackers if needed.
• Is this vegetarian? Traditional Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies, so this recipe is not vegetarian as written. To make it vegetarian, use a vegetarian or vegan Worcestershire alternative.
• Can I roll the cheese ball in something else? Yes. For a different texture, roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans, sliced almonds, or toasted seeds instead of everything bagel seasoning.

How to make a snowman cheese ball

Want a festive twist for winter gatherings? Make a cheese ball snowman by doubling the recipe and forming three different-sized balls. Follow these simple steps:

1. Double the mixture. Divide the combined cheese into three portions: one large, one medium, and one small.
2. Stack the balls. Place the largest ball on a platter, top with the medium ball, then the small ball. Press gently so they hold together while keeping their rounded shapes.
3. Add the details. Use a small piece of carrot or a cut carrot stick for the nose, peppercorns or tiny bits of olive for eyes and a mouth, and rosemary sprigs for arms. Chill briefly before serving.

The result is a charming and delicious centerpiece that’s fun for holiday parties or winter-themed events.

More cheesy appetizer recipes

• Cheesy Bacon Wrapped Meatballs
• French Onion Dip Queso
• Grilled Jalapeño Poppers
• Waffle Fry Nachos with Green Chili Cheese Sauce
• Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
• Christmas Tree Holiday Cheese Board
• Jalapeño Popper Crescent Rolls

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 173 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Fat: 16 g (Saturated fat: 9 g)
• Cholesterol: 46 mg
• Sodium: 187 mg
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Calcium: 162 mg

Cabot is owned by family farms across New England and New York, and their Extra Sharp Cheddar adds a bold, aged cheddar flavor that complements the everything bagel seasoning beautifully. This easy Everything Bagel Cheddar Cheese Ball is a fast, flavorful appetizer you can make any time of year—perfect for holiday gatherings, game day, or casual entertaining.