Cream cheese, cheddar, ham, and so many awesome spices add up to an Everything Bagel Cheese Ball, a.k.a. the easiest four-ingredient appetizer you can make for any occasion.
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Cheese balls are one of the most perfect foods for appetizers and entertaining. Straight from the fridge, you can spread it on crackers, or serve dip-style in a bowl at room temperature.
If you’re anything like me, you’re likely to find it hard to stop snacking once you’ve tasted it. I’ve been eating this cheese ball for lunch, dinner, and breakfast the past few days.
The first time I made this, the boys devoured it in minutes, so I “tested” the recipe a second time, just to make sure I’d have some stashed away for myself later.
Everything Bagel Cheese Ball
I love the ease of making a cheese ball in advance and tucking it away in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it. Whether you shape it into a ball or scoop it into a dish, this Everything Bagel Cheese Ball is going to be a crowd favorite for your holiday table.
I’ve partnered with The Spice Hunter to share this recipe with you today. Their Everything Bagel Crunch seasoning mix is a new favorite here. As much as I love everything bagels, this seasoning mix makes it possible to enjoy those flavors on a whim.
Everything Bagel Crunch includes sesame seeds, garlic, black sesame seeds, toasted onion, onion, and poppy seeds. It is a salt-free mix, which makes it terrific for recipes like these that don’t require any additional salt.
You can use the Everything Bagel Crunch to make this Everything Bagel Butter too. My family loves it!
How To Make A Cheese Ball
It’s almost ridiculously simple to make a cheese ball. Place the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth, about 1 minute.
Scrape the sides of the bowl and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the seasonings over the cream cheese. Mix again until well combined, about 1 minute.
Tear or roughly chop the ham into 1-inch pieces and add to the bowl with the cream cheese. Beat with the mixer until the ham has broken down into smaller pieces, about 1 minute.
Add the cheese and mix again. Spread plastic wrap on the counter and scoop the cheese mixture onto it. Form into a ball with the spatula and wrap tightly. Chill at last 1 hour. Sprinkle with the remaining spice blend before serving.
I typically make a cheeseball a day or two in advance of serving it. (Even though it’s super easy to make this recipe, it’s nice to have it done ahead of time.)
During the holiday season, the more things I can take care of in advance, the better. The cheeseball will keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to a week.
How To Serve A Cheese Ball
We typically serve a cheese ball with crackers, pretzels, and fresh vegetables. The Everything Bagel Cheese Ball is also terrific on toasted bagels or bread.
My favorite way to serve this one is on bagel crisps, the buttery salty cracker-like toasts are a perfect match for the creamy flavorful cheese.
For more great holiday appetizers, check out the best Queso Dip, our Twice Baked Potato Dip, Everything Bagel Cheese Straws, and the ultimate guide to making a perfect Cheese Board.
This Pear & Brie Bruschetta from The Reluctant Entertainer would be a terrific addition to any holiday event. And this Easy Cheesy Chili Dip from Wonky Wonderful is sure to be a kid favorite too.
Cheese Ball Recipe
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Place the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth, about 1 minute. Scrape the sides of the bowl and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the seasonings over the cream cheese. Mix again until well combined, about 1 minute.
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Tear or roughly chop the lunch meat into 1-inch pieces and add to the bowl with the cream cheese. Beat with the mixer until the ham has broken down into smaller pieces, about 1 minute.
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Add the cheese and mix again. Spread plastic wrap on the counter and scoop the cheese mixture onto it. Form into a ball with the spatula and wrap tightly. Chill at last 1 hour.
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Open plastic wrap, sprinkle generously with remaining spices. Serve with crackers, pretzels, bagel crisps, and fresh vegetables.
Everything Bagel Cheeseball Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 2 tablespoons The Spice Hunter Everything Bagel Crunch seasoning mix plus 1 teaspoon
- 2 ounces deli-style ham shaved lunch meat, chopped into tiny pieces
- 2 ounces freshly shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Place the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth, about 1 minute. Scrape the sides of the bowl and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the seasonings over the cream cheese. Mix again until well combined, about 1 minute.
- Tear or roughly chop the lunch meat into 1-inch pieces and add to the bowl with the cream cheese. Beat with the mixer until the ham has broken down into smaller pieces, about 1 minute.
- Add the cheese and mix again. Spread plastic wrap on the counter and scoop the cheese mixture onto it. Form into a ball with the spatula and wrap tightly. Chill at last 1 hour.
- Open plastic wrap, sprinkle generously with remaining spice blend. Serve with crackers, pretzels, bagel crisps, and fresh vegetables.
Nutrition
You can get 15% off all spice orders on Spicehunter.com through 12/31/19 with code HOLIDAYSPICE19. Sign up for The Spice Hunter’s emails to receive coupons and recipe inspiration throughout the year!
Disclosure: I’ve partnered with The Spice Hunter to share this recipe with you. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Barefeet In The Kitchen possible. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Gerald Cragle says
Whee can I purchase the Spice Hunter spices locally in the grocery store?
Mary Younkin says
Hi Gerald! You can use the location finder: https://www.spicehunter.com/where-to-buy/ to see where they are sold nearest to you. When I lived in Phoenix, the products were available in most grocery stores, but unfortunately, they aren’t here in Ohio yet. If they aren’t in your area, I really do think they’re worth the purchase online.
Christi says
This was amazing! We tried it last night, as I like to test recipes we use for big get togethers, and two big thumbs up! Such great flavor, can’t wait to make it again for Thanksgiving! Might have to make extra to try it on some toasted bagels, that would be DELISH!
Mary Younkin says
I love that you already made this, Christi! I’m so happy that you enjoyed it.
malika says
Great work , I need this thanks .
Mary Younkin says
I hope that you love it as much as we do!
Kim says
Made this for Thanksgiving. Very enjoyable. Thanks for the recipe
Mary Younkin says
I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed it, Kim!
Barabara Quiring says
I love this!
Mary Younkin says
I’m thrilled that you love the cheeseball, Barbara!