A Cozy Take on Everything Bagel Flavor
There’s something irresistibly fun about serving food in bite-sized form, and these Bagel Mini Cheese Ball Bites are one of my all-time favorite appetizers to bring to any gathering. I first made them one chilly Sunday morning when I wanted something cozy and savory that reminded me of my favorite bagel shop, but with a playful twist. That’s when the idea struck turn my go-to cheese ball recipes into miniature bagel-inspired bites, perfect for snacking, brunch, or even a casual breakfast spread.
These little gems combine the creamy tang of seasoned cream cheese with all the toasty crunch of everything bagel seasoning. Every bite tastes like a cross between a classic cheese ball and a morning bagel with schmear. They’re easy to prepare ahead, look adorable on a platter, and bring that comforting bakery flavor right into my kitchen.
Why You’ll Love These Bagel Mini Cheese Ball Bites
You’ll love these Bagel Mini Cheese Ball Bites because they blend the familiar comfort of homemade bagels with the convenience of a no-cook, easy-to-prep snack. The cream cheese base is smooth and luscious, balanced by a sprinkle of zesty herbs and a generous roll through everything bagel seasoning.
They make perfect appetizers for brunches, holiday parties, or even a weekend breakfast sandwich bar. Because they’re small, they’re effortless to serve and eat no knives or spreading required. Plus, these bites can be customized with different coatings or mix-ins, making them one of the best cheese ball recipes I’ve ever made.
Bagel Mini Cheese Ball Bites
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20 mini cheese balls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Bagel Mini Cheese Ball Bites are creamy, crunchy, and full of everything bagel flavor. A simple make-ahead appetizer that’s perfect for parties, brunch, or snacking any time of day.
Ingredients
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tbsp sour cream
2 tbsp chopped green onions
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup everything bagel seasoning
Optional Add-ins:
2 tbsp chopped bacon
1 tbsp minced chives or dill
2 tbsp finely diced peppers or jalapeños
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar, sour cream, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Chill the mixture for 30 minutes.
- Roll into small 1-inch balls.
- Coat each ball in everything bagel seasoning.
- Chill for at least 20 minutes before serving.
- Serve with bagel chips, pretzels, or fresh veggies.
Notes
Make ahead: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For a smoky twist, add crumbled bacon.
To make a breakfast version, sandwich each cheese ball in a mini bagel.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook / Assembled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese ball
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 0.5
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 20
What You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The base that gives these cheese balls their rich, smooth texture.
- Shredded sharp cheddar (1 cup): Adds tangy depth and helps balance the creaminess.
- Sour cream (2 tablespoons): Lightens the mixture just enough for that perfect bite.
- Chopped green onions (2 tablespoons): Adds freshness and a mild kick.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): For that subtle savory note that makes these irresistible.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Just enough to balance the flavors.
Coating
- Everything bagel seasoning (about ½ cup): The star ingredient that gives each bite its signature crunch and flavor.
Optional Add-ins
- Chopped bacon: Adds a smoky touch that turns these into the ultimate brunch treat.
- Minced chives or dill: For a fresh, herbal note.
- Finely diced bell peppers or jalapeños: For a pop of color and a bit of heat.
Related Recipes
Step-by-Step: How to Make Bagel Mini Cheese Ball Bites
Step 1: Mix the Base
In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use a hand mixer or sturdy spatula to blend everything until smooth and uniform. The texture should be creamy but firm enough to shape.
Step 2: Chill the Mixture
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes. This helps it firm up and makes rolling easier.
Step 3: Form the Mini Balls
Once chilled, use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion the mixture into bite-sized pieces roughly one inch in diameter. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth, even balls.
Step 4: Coat in Everything Bagel Seasoning
Pour the seasoning onto a plate. Roll each mini cheese ball in the mixture until fully coated. Press gently so the seasoning sticks well.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Place the coated cheese balls on a tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. This final chill sets the texture and keeps them easy to handle.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve them chilled with mini bagel chips, pretzel crisps, or cucumber slices. They also make an amazing filling for a breakfast sandwich just tuck one between a split mini bagel for a creamy, crunchy bite.
If you’re hosting a party, try pairing them with my other favorites like no-fry buffalo chicken wonton cups, loaded mini taco cups, or mini puff pastry pizza bites.
Ways to Customize These Cheese Ball Bites
Here are a few fun ways I love to switch things up:
- Smoked Salmon Version: Fold in finely chopped smoked salmon and a sprinkle of dill for a brunch-worthy twist.
- Jalapeño Cheddar: Add diced jalapeños and extra cheddar for a bolder kick.
- Bacon Everything: Mix crumbled bacon right into the base before rolling then coat in everything seasoning for double crunch.
- Herb Lovers: Roll in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives instead of seasoning for a lighter, garden-fresh take.
- Sweet-Savory Option: Swap the everything bagel seasoning for finely chopped dried cranberries and crushed pecans for a holiday-inspired appetizer.
- Mini Bagel Sandwiches: Use these bites as filling between halves of homemade bagels for an adorable brunch slider.
A Few Final Thoughts
These Bagel Mini Cheese Ball Bites have become one of my most-requested recipes whenever I host. They’re creamy, tangy, crunchy, and bursting with that comforting everything bagel flavor we all love. They look charming on a table, travel well for potlucks, and stay delicious for days in the fridge.
If you’re a fan of easy, crowd-pleasing appetizers or searching for new cheese ball recipes to add to your collection, you’ll definitely want to try this one. Make them once, and you’ll see why they’ve become a staple in my kitchen.
If you loved this idea, don’t forget to check out my other snack and appetizer favorites linked above and tell me in the comments how you customized yours!
