Everything Bagel Cheddar Cheese Ball

Ingredients:

• 8 oz (250 g) brick-style plain cream cheese
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) lemon juice
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) finely chopped fresh chives
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) finely chopped fresh dill
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) mustard powder
• Pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 1/4 cups (300 mL) shredded Balderson Extra Old Cheddar
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) chopped toasted pecans
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) toasted sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) poppy seeds
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) each garlic and onion flakes
• 1 tsp (5 mL) each large flaked sea salt and cracked pepper
• 4 fresh or toasted bagels, cut into cubes 
• 8 oz (250 g) bagel chips, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese, lemon juice, chives, parsley, dill, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, mustard powder and cayenne until light and fluffy. Beat in extra old cheddar until blended. 
2. Transfer mixture onto large piece of plastic wrap; form into ball, wrapping tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours or until firm. 
3. Meanwhile, stir together pecans, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic flakes, onion flakes, sea salt and pepper. 
4. Roll cheese ball in pecan and everything bagel mix to coat. 
5. Serve with bagels, and bagel chips (if using).

Tips: 

• Add 4 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon to the cheese ball if desired.
• Serve cheese ball with slices of smoked salmon if desired.