Everything Bagel Cottage Cheese Bites

The afternoon I discovered this combination was completely accidental. I'd bought cottage cheese with vague healthy intentions and everything bagel seasoning for avocado toast, and somewhere between lunch prep and a snack attack, the two met on a plate. Now it is the only thing my coworkers actually request for office potlucks.

My sister claimed she hated cottage cheese until I served these at her birthday brunch. She ate six before asking what they were actually made of, and now she keeps everything bagel seasoning stocked just for this recipe. Sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most surprising converts.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese: Small curds give you better texture here and hold their shape when mixed
• 2 oz cream cheese: Let this sit out for twenty minutes so it blends seamlessly into the cottage cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh chives: The bright onion flavor balances the richness of the dairy
• 1 tbsp red onion: Finely dice this so you get little bursts of flavor without overwhelming each bite
• 3 tbsp everything bagel seasoning: This is the star of the show so do not skimp on the coating

Instructions

Mix the cheese base:

Mash the cottage cheese and softened cream cheese together in a bowl until mostly combined. Small curds remaining actually add nice texture so do not overwork it.

Add the fresh flavors:

Fold in the chopped chives and diced red onion until they are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.

Form the bites:

Scoop tablespoons of the mixture and use slightly wet hands to roll them into sixteen balls. The moisture prevents sticking and makes shaping effortless.

Coat them:

Pour the everything bagel seasoning onto a flat plate. Roll each ball gently in the seasoning and press lightly to help it adhere.

Chill briefly:

Arrange the finished bites on a platter and refrigerate for at least fifteen minutes. This step firms them up and lets the flavors meld together.

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These became my go to hostess gift after showing up to a dinner party empty handed once too many times. Now I arrive with a plate of these and somehow people think I am incredibly thoughtful instead of last minute.

Serving Suggestions

I always set out cucumber rounds and bell pepper strips alongside the bites. The fresh crunch cuts through the creamy cheese and makes the whole platter feel more substantial without much extra effort.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I swap in Greek yogurt for half the cream cheese when I want something lighter. A pinch of garlic powder in the cheese mixture also adds depth without anyone being able to pinpoint exactly what changed.

Storage and Prep

These actually taste better after sitting overnight in the refrigerator. The seasoning has time to permeate the cheese and the flavors meld into something even better than fresh made.

• Store them in an airtight container for up to five days
• Bring to room temperature for ten minutes before serving
• Roll them in extra coating right before serving if they look bare

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The best recipes are often the ones that remind us simple ingredients treated with care can become something people genuinely crave.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of cheese is best for these bites?

Using small curd cottage cheese combined with softened cream cheese creates a creamy yet textured base ideal for shaping and flavor absorption.

→ Can I add other seasonings to the mixture?

Yes, adding a pinch of garlic powder or fresh herbs like dill can enhance the flavor without overpowering the everything bagel seasoning.

→ How should I form the bites for best results?

Dampen your hands or use a small cookie scoop to form uniform, bite-sized balls that hold together well when coated.

→ Is chilling necessary before serving?

Chilling the bites for at least 15 minutes helps them firm up and allows the flavors to meld, improving texture and taste.

→ Can I swap cream cheese for another ingredient?

Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter substitute for cream cheese, providing a slightly tangier flavor and softer texture.