Easy & Delicious Everything But The Bagel Cheese Ball: Your Go-To Appetizer!

As football Sundays return, so does the craving for irresistible game day snacks. And let’s be honest, for many of us, cheese deserves its own food group! If only it could be a zero-point food on Weight Watchers, right? While we dream of that day, this Everything But The Bagel Cheese Ball is an absolute winner, striking the perfect balance between indulgence and smart eating. It’s incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum flavor, making it a perfect quick snack or impressive party dip. The hardest part is patiently waiting for it to chill in the fridge, but trust us, the rich, savory blend of cheeses and zesty seasoning is well worth the wait. Serve it alongside your favorite crisp vegetables to keep the points low, or pair it with an assortment of crackers, pretzels, or warm pita bread for a truly satisfying experience. This recipe comfortably serves 8 people, with each serving coming in at a Weight Watchers friendly 5 SmartPoints.

Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that won’t derail your healthy eating goals, this Everything But The Bagel Cheese Ball is your new best friend. It combines the creamy goodness of a classic cheese ball with the addictive, savory crunch of popular bagel seasoning, creating a dip that everyone will rave about. Its versatility means it’s not just for game day – think potlucks, holiday gatherings, or even a simple evening snack. Get ready to elevate your appetizer game!

Why You’ll Love This Everything Bagel Cheese Ball

There are countless reasons why this particular cheese ball recipe stands out and quickly becomes a household favorite. First and foremost, its incredible ease of preparation means even kitchen novices can whip it up with confidence. No complicated cooking techniques or extensive ingredient lists required! Simply mix, chill, and serve. Secondly, the flavor profile is simply irresistible. The creamy base perfectly complements the bold, garlicky, oniony, and sesame notes of the Everything But The Bagel seasoning, creating a taste sensation that’s both comforting and exciting.

Furthermore, this recipe is designed to be Weight Watchers friendly, making it a fantastic option for those who want to enjoy delicious snacks without compromising their health goals. By utilizing light cream cheese, fat-free sour cream, and Greek yogurt, we significantly reduce the fat and calorie content without sacrificing that desired creamy texture. It’s also highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your personal preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you prefer a milder cheese or want to add an extra kick with some spice, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead appetizer, saving you precious time when entertaining.

The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting this delightful cheese ball requires just a handful of accessible ingredients, each playing a crucial role in its delicious outcome. By opting for lighter versions of dairy products, we ensure this snack remains a guilt-free pleasure.

• Light Cream Cheese: The foundation of our cheese ball, providing that essential rich and creamy texture. Using a light version helps keep the calorie and fat content lower, making it more aligned with Weight Watchers principles. Remember to soften it to room temperature before mixing for a smooth, lump-free consistency.
• Fat-Free Sour Cream: This adds a lovely tang and a bit of moisture without adding significant fat. It contributes to the overall creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Plain Greek 0% Yogurt: A fantastic substitute for additional sour cream or mayonnaise, Greek yogurt brings a boost of protein and an extra layer of tanginess. Its thick consistency also aids in creating a firm cheese ball.
• Light Shredded Cheese (Cheddar Recommended): Cheddar is a classic choice for its sharp, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. Using a light shredded version again helps manage the nutritional profile. Feel free to experiment with other light shredded cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend if you prefer.
• Green Onions, Diced: These provide a mild oniony bite and a vibrant green color, adding freshness and a subtle crunch that enhances the overall experience.
• Everything But The Bagel Seasoning: The star of the show! This iconic blend typically contains poppy seeds, white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and sea salt. It delivers that distinctive savory, garlicky, and nutty flavor profile that makes this cheese ball so addictive.

Most seasoning brands now carry an “Everything but the Bagel” mix due to its immense popularity. We often keep a good stock of the Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Seasoning on hand, but any brand you find will work wonderfully. If you can’t find it or prefer a homemade touch, you can easily make your own blend, as detailed in our tips section below.

Pro Tips for the Best Everything Bagel Cheese Ball

To ensure your Everything But The Bagel Cheese Ball is always a hit, consider these helpful tips and variations:

• Make-Ahead Magic: This cheese ball is an ideal make-ahead appetizer. You can prepare the mixture and shape it into a ball the night before, keeping it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge. This not only saves you time on the day of your event but also allows the flavors to deepen and meld, resulting in an even tastier dip. Just remember to coat it with the seasoning right before serving for optimal freshness and crunch.
• Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese offers a classic and satisfying flavor, don’t hesitate to experiment! You can use other light shredded cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, a white cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses. For an extra creamy texture, you could even try incorporating a small amount of goat cheese or feta into the mix, though be mindful of how this might affect your Weight Watchers points.
• Add-Ins & Customizations:
  • Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can add a subtle kick.
  • Extra Veggies: Finely diced red onion or bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) can add more color, crunch, and a different flavor profile. Just make sure they are very finely chopped so they blend well into the cheese ball.
  • Herbal Freshness: Fresh chives or dill, finely chopped, can enhance the savory notes and add aromatic complexity.
  • Crunch Factor: For a non-WW version or a slight indulgence, finely crumbled cooked bacon bits or chopped pecans could be mixed in for added texture.
• Homemade Everything But The Bagel Seasoning: If you can’t find a ready-made blend, or simply prefer to DIY, it’s incredibly easy to make at home. A common mix includes:
  • 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1 tablespoon dried minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

  Simply combine all ingredients in a small jar and shake well. Adjust ratios to your liking!

• Optimal Serving Temperature: While the cheese ball needs to chill to firm up, serving it at room temperature (after chilling) allows the flavors to truly shine and the texture to be perfectly spreadable. Take it out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Insights & Weight Watchers Friendly

One of the best aspects of this Everything But The Bagel Cheese Ball is its remarkable nutritional profile, especially for those following Weight Watchers. By strategically using light and fat-free dairy products, we keep the points and calories in check without compromising on taste or satisfaction. According to the Weight Watchers recipe builder, each serving comes out to:

• Personal Points: 5 points
• SmartPoints (Blue/Purple/Green): 5 points
• Points Plus: 3 points (using a PP calculator)

For those tracking general nutritional information, based on My Fitness Pal, each serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 152
• Fat: 7.1g
• Saturated Fat: 1.7g
• Carbohydrates: 4.3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0.2g
• Protein: 3.6g

This breakdown highlights that you can enjoy a flavorful, creamy appetizer without a heavy caloric load, making it an excellent choice for a balanced lifestyle or any occasion where you want to offer a healthier option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What can I serve with this Everything But The Bagel Cheese Ball?

The possibilities are endless! For a low-point option, fresh-cut vegetables like carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, and cherry tomatoes are fantastic. Other popular choices include whole wheat crackers, pretzel thins, pita bread or pita chips, bagel chips, breadsticks, or even apple slices for a sweet and savory combination.

Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is one of its best features. You can prepare the mixture, shape the ball, and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap up to 2-3 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator. Just before serving, unwrap it and roll it in the Everything But The Bagel seasoning.

How long does the Everything But The Bagel Cheese Ball last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, leftovers will last in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. This makes it a great option for meal prepping snacks throughout the week.

Can I freeze leftover cheese ball?

Yes, you can! Wrap the cheese ball (without the outer seasoning coating) tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. To serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then proceed with rolling it in the fresh seasoning before serving.

Can I use full-fat dairy products instead of light/fat-free?

Yes, you can, but please be aware that using full-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese will significantly increase the calorie, fat, and Weight Watchers point values of each serving. If you’re not tracking points, this is an option for a richer, more decadent cheese ball.

This Everything But The Bagel Cheese Ball is more than just a snack; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. Its ease of preparation, incredible flavor, and Weight Watchers friendly profile make it a reliable choice for any gathering, big or small. So next time you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that requires minimal fuss, remember this recipe. It’s guaranteed to be a hit and leave everyone asking for more!