Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature until softened. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the temperature of your kitchen.

Beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together in a mixing bowl until creamy and lump-free. Scrape down the sides of the bowl so the texture is evenly smooth.

Mix in 2 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning. Add the chopped chives or scallions, lemon juice, and garlic powder if using.

Taste the dip and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of seasoning if you want a stronger bagel flavor. Additional salt is usually unnecessary because commercial everything seasoning blends are often already salty.

Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Chilling gives the dried onion, garlic, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds time to flavor the creamy base.

Just before serving, sprinkle the top with extra everything bagel seasoning. Arrange bagel chips, toasted bread, crackers, pretzels, cucumber slices, celery, or carrots around the bowl.