I thought I had seen them all, but this variation is so creative and oh-so-good! Brilliant!

So, picture this: you're at your next get-together, and you bring out this super scrumptious Everything Bagel Cheese Ball, and honestly, it's like the room lights up with excitement. There's something about that classic everything bagel seasoning – the garlic, onion, sesame, poppy seeds, and all that flavorful goodness – that just screams comfort and indulgence. It's a bit of New York deli meet Midwest charm right in your kitchen. I mean, why settle for a plain ol' cheese spread when you can jazz it up with these epic flavors? Perfect as a crowd-pleaser at parties or as a treat-yo-self moment after a long day at the office, this cheese ball is where it's at.

Now let's talk pairings – this cheeseball is so versatile. Serve it with crispy crudités like carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers for a pop of color and a healthy crunch. Throw in an array of crackers, pretzel sticks, or even bagel chips to keep with the theme. If you're feeling a bit naughty, a few slices of toasted baguette spread with this creamy delight will have your taste buds dancing.

Servings: 10-12

Ingredients:

- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning, plus extra for coating
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped bacon, cooked and drained (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese until it's smooth and creamy – get out all those stress knots!

2. Toss in the shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning, green onions, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. If you're going for that extra bit of indulgence, fold in the chopped bacon too. Mix everything together until it's thoroughly combined.

3. Scoop up the mixture and shape it into a ball. Wrap your future star appetizer in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least an hour to firm up and let the flavors get to know each other.

4. Before serving, unwrap the cheese ball and give it a generous roll in additional everything bagel seasoning so it's fully coated and looking fab.

5. Place it on a serving platter and surround it with all the dippers your heart desires. It's showtime!

Variations & Tips:

- Not a fan of cheddar? Mix it up with some smoked gouda or pepper jack for a new kick.

- Vegetarian friends coming over? Skip the bacon and add in some sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a tangy twist.

- Stay ahead of the game: This cheese ball can be made a day or two in advance, so it's party-ready when you are.

- If everything seasoning isn't your jam, go wild with other spice blends like Italian seasoning or even a Cajun mix for a southern spin.

- A cheese ball buddy? Sometimes I'll divide the mix and make two smaller balls – one to eat now and one to freeze for an emergency snack situation.

There you have it, your go-to party pleaser that will have folks buzzing with compliments and, let's be honest, that's always a bit of a thrill, right? Now go ahead, get rolling, and let the good times roll too!