Everything Bagel Cheese Ball
Cream cheese and smoked salmon cheese ball rolled in everything bagel seasoning. Make-ahead, customizable, and perfect with crackers or veggies.
This is a fun way to serve a lox platter differently. Serve it with any type of crackers, veggies, and herbs you like!
Yield: 10 oz cheese ball
- Mix room-temperature cream cheese with diced smoked salmon and red onion, then chill so the ball firms up before coating.
- Roll the chilled ball in everything bagel seasoning for texture and flavor; garnish with dill, capers, or smoked paprika.
- Make ahead by preparing the ball up to a day before, store uncoated for best texture, and serve chilled with crackers and fresh veggies.
Spices
Featured in this Recipe
Preparation Instructions:
Combine cream cheese, onion, and salmon in a mixing bowl and fold together.
Form into a ball and place it in the refrigerator to firm up.
Roll ball in Everything Bagel Blend until it is coated entirely.
Serve with bagel chips, crackers, and sliced tomato, onion, and cucumber.
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More About This Recipe
Add fresh cracked pepper, smoked paprika, minced capers, or dill to the cheese ball mix if you like. Fresh dill also makes a great garnish and accoutrement. Serve with a cheese knife for easier and neater serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I chill the cheese ball before serving?
Chill at least 30 minutes to firm the shape. For best texture and flavor melding, refrigerate 1 hour or up to overnight. If chilled overnight, let sit 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature before serving so it spreads more easily.
Can I use different types of salmon?
Yes. Cold-smoked lox or cured salmon are common choices. Hot-smoked salmon will also work but gives a different texture and stronger cooked flavor. If serving pregnant or immunocompromised guests, use fully cooked smoked salmon or check that the product is pasteurized.
What is the fastest way to soften cream cheese?
Leave cream cheese at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes. For a quick option, microwave the block wrapped in a paper towel in 8 to 12 second bursts until slightly soft. Then stir or beat to a smooth consistency before folding in the salmon and onion.
How long will the cheese ball keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, the assembled cheese ball will keep 3 to 4 days. If you want the best texture, wait to roll it in the everything seasoning until just before serving. Freezing is not recommended because the texture of cream cheese changes when frozen.
How can I get an even coating of everything bagel seasoning?
Place the seasoning in a shallow bowl or plate. Wrap the chilled cheese ball in plastic wrap to help shape it, then press the ball into the seasoning, rolling it around until covered. Press lightly so the seeds and spices stick but the ball keeps its shape.
Any good substitutions or variation ideas?
Swap or add flavorings like fresh dill, minced capers, cracked pepper, or smoked paprika. For a nutty crunch, press chopped toasted walnuts or pistachios into the outside. For a vegetarian version, omit salmon and add finely diced roasted red pepper and capers or use smoked carrot.
What should I serve with the cheese ball?
Serve with bagel chips, plain crackers, crostini, or sliced veggies like cucumber, tomato, and bell pepper. Garnish with fresh dill, lemon wedges, or extra capers for bright contrast.
Are there allergy or safety concerns with everything bagel seasoning?
Yes. Everything seasoning usually contains sesame and poppy seeds and may include garlic and onion. Some blends can have cross contamination with gluten. Always check the label for allergens. Also note that cold-smoked salmon is not cooked; avoid serving it to pregnant or immunocompromised guests unless it is pasteurized or you use fully cooked fish.
How long should I chill the cheese ball before serving?
Chill at least 30 minutes to firm the shape. For best texture and flavor melding, refrigerate 1 hour or up to overnight. If chilled overnight, let sit 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature before serving so it spreads more easily.
Can I use different types of salmon?
Yes. Cold-smoked lox or cured salmon are common choices. Hot-smoked salmon will also work but gives a different texture and stronger cooked flavor. If serving pregnant or immunocompromised guests, use fully cooked smoked salmon or check that the product is pasteurized.
What is the fastest way to soften cream cheese?
Leave cream cheese at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes. For a quick option, microwave the block wrapped in a paper towel in 8 to 12 second bursts until slightly soft. Then stir or beat to a smooth consistency before folding in the salmon and onion.
How long will the cheese ball keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, the assembled cheese ball will keep 3 to 4 days. If you want the best texture, wait to roll it in the everything seasoning until just before serving. Freezing is not recommended because the texture of cream cheese changes when frozen.
How can I get an even coating of everything bagel seasoning?
Place the seasoning in a shallow bowl or plate. Wrap the chilled cheese ball in plastic wrap to help shape it, then press the ball into the seasoning, rolling it around until covered. Press lightly so the seeds and spices stick but the ball keeps its shape.
Any good substitutions or variation ideas?
Swap or add flavorings like fresh dill, minced capers, cracked pepper, or smoked paprika. For a nutty crunch, press chopped toasted walnuts or pistachios into the outside. For a vegetarian version, omit salmon and add finely diced roasted red pepper and capers or use smoked carrot.
What should I serve with the cheese ball?
Serve with bagel chips, plain crackers, crostini, or sliced veggies like cucumber, tomato, and bell pepper. Garnish with fresh dill, lemon wedges, or extra capers for bright contrast.
Are there allergy or safety concerns with everything bagel seasoning?
Yes. Everything seasoning usually contains sesame and poppy seeds and may include garlic and onion. Some blends can have cross contamination with gluten. Always check the label for allergens. Also note that cold-smoked salmon is not cooked; avoid serving it to pregnant or immunocompromised guests unless it is pasteurized or you use fully cooked fish.
Love this simple idea and other bagel spice recipes. I enjoy viewing these interesting ideas from customers. Thank you!