This “Everything Bagel” Cheese Ball recipe takes minutes to prepare and will be a huge crowd-pleaser! Decorate with pretzels to look like a reindeer for the holidays or leave plain for any occasion.
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Cheese balls are one of my favorite party foods to make. They are so easy to mix up and they are really affordable when you realize this will feed 16 people! There are lots of different ways to flavor your cheese ball, and today we are going with ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese and “Everything Bagel” seasoning.
Pick up a bottle of “Everything Bagel” seasoning at your local grocery store (pretty much every store has caught on to this addictive seasoning!) or mix up a batch yourself. Check out my recipe for DIY Everything Bagel Seasoning.
Not only does it add a really interesting twist to cheese ball, it’s fantastic on chicken, roasted vegetables and even on popcorn. Cindy from Veggie Fun Kitchen has a great recipe for seasoned popcorn.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese: You will want to use full fat cream cheese. The low-fat option just does not taste as good. Go ahead and splurge this time.
Cheddar Cheese: Feel free to use pre-shredded cheddar cheese in this recipe. You will use half of an 8 ounce bag. If you only have a block of cheese, grate it on the larger holes and measure one cup.
Ranch Seasoning: This recipe uses one (1 ounce) packet or 2 Tablespoons of ranch seasoning. I love to buy my ranch seasoning in bulk because I add it to everything. Ever sprinkle ranch seasoning on your spaghetti? Don’t knock it til you try it.
Chives: Fresh chives are the herb version of green onions. They add a subtle onion flavor to your cheese ball. You can substitute green onions or leave out all together.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: Like I mentioned above, invest in a bottle of “Everything Bagel” seasoning or make a batch yourself. It’ll be your new go-to seasoning.
Reindeer Decorations: These are totally optional, but they make such an adorable cheese ball. To create your reindeer, you’ll need two black olives, one cherry tomato and two regular-size pretzels.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Knife and Cutting Board (or kitchen scissors)
- Plastic Wrap
- Plate
Kitchen scissors are my secret weapon for cutting fresh herbs. I can pick herbs right from my AeroGarden and cut them up finely without having to get out a cutting board.
More Snack Ideas
- Everything Bagel and Lox Spread
- Easy Holiday Appetizers on a Budget
- Southern Pimento Cheese
- Pumpkin Fluff Dip
- Cheese Crisps
- Lemon Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)
Everything Bagel Cheese Ball Recipe
Everything Bagel Cheese Ball
This "Everything Bagel" Ranch Cheese Ball takes minutes to prepare and will be a huge crowd-pleaser! Decorate with pretzels to look like a reindeer for the holidays or leave plain for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 Tablespoons ranch seasoning or 1 (1 ounce) packet
- 1/4 cup chopped chives
- 1/3 cup "Everything Bagel" seasoning
- 2 black olives (for the eyes), optional
- 1 cherry tomato (for the nose), optional
- 2 pretzels (for the antlers), optional
Instructions
- Combine room temperature cream cheese, chopped chives and ranch seasoning and mix until well combined. This can be done in a stand mixer, with a hand mixer or with a rubber scraper.
- Add shredded cheese and mix until well combined.
- Place cheese mixture on a sheet of plastic wrap. Use the plastic wrap to form the cheese mixture into a ball and wrap to secure.
- Chill cheese ball in fridge for at least 2 hours.
- When ready to serve, pour 2 Tablespoons of Everything Bagel seasoning on a small plate. Unwrap cheese ball and place on seasoning. Sprinkle on additional seasoning and roll cheese ball in seasoning until completely coated.
- To decorate as a reindeer, insert 2 black olives for eyes and 1 cherry tomato for a nose. Insert pretzels on top to look like antlers.
- Serve with veggies or crackers.
Notes
Cheese ball can be prepared up to one week in advance. For a flavor variation, try "Fiesta" ranch seasoning.
Store leftovers in covered container in fridge for up to 5 days.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 166Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 287mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 7g
Check out these ideas for even more ways to use “Everything Bagel” seasoning! And don’t forget to tag me @feastforafraction on Instagram if you make this recipe.
