Everything but the Bagel Cheeseball recipe by Heather Zoldak, Associate Executive Director, Harper College Educational Foundation

This recipe has become a favorite of the Harper Foundation staff. It’s a staple of office potlucks, and while we were all working remotely, our team held a virtual cooking class so they could learn how to make their own.  We hope you enjoy it!

Serves 6-8
15 minutes

Ingredients 

Filling:

    • 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, room temperature
    • 1/2 cup sour cream
    • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
    • 2 tablespoons bacon bits, optional
    • 2 teaspoons horseradish
    • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping:

    • 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
    • 2 tablespoons dried garlic
    • 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
    • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
    • 2 teaspoons coarse/sea salt
    • bagel chips, garnish
    • red onion, garnish, optional

Preparation

  1. In a large bowl or mixer, beat cream cheese until softened and fluffy. Add sour cream and mix until smooth.
  2. Fold in cheddar cheese, bacon bits (if using) and horseradish, then season with onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
  3. Transfer mixture to a large sheet of plastic wrap and roll into a ball, making sure to seal the edges.
  4. Place cheese ball in a bowl, then set in the fridge and let set. 1-2 hours.
  5. While cheese sets, whisk together topping ingredients (dried onion, garlic, poppy seeds, sesame seeds and sea salt) until combined.
  6. Remove cheese ball from refrigerator and unwrap, taking care that it keeps its shape.
  7. Roll cheese ball in topping ingredients until it’s completely coated. Serve with bagel chips, crackers, carrots, bell peppers, etc.  Enjoy!

Additional Ingredients

    • Saran Wrap
    • Bagel chips, crackers, carrots, peppers, etc.
Last Updated: 2/8/22