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Description
These irresistible Cheese Ball Bites are a perfect appetizer for any occasion, featuring a creamy cheese mixture rolled in a savory bacon, pecan, and chive coating, all served on pretzel sticks.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ (12-oz.) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 8 slices bacon
- ⅓ cup roasted salted pecans, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup fresh chives, chopped
- 18 pretzel sticks
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir cream cheese, cheddar, garlic powder, and paprika; season with salt and pepper.
- Using a cookie scoop, form mixture into 18 small balls (about 1”) and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook bacon, turning occasionally, until crispy, about 8 minutes.
- Drain bacon on a paper towel-lined plate, then transfer to a cutting board and finely chop.
- In a shallow bowl, mix chopped bacon, pecans, and chives.
- Roll firm cheese balls in bacon pecan mixture.
- Insert a pretzel stick into each cheese ball.
- Let come to room temperature 15 minutes before serving. (If not serving right away, loosely cover with plastic wrap and return to fridge.)
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for easy mixing.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- For a smoother coating, ensure the pecans are finely chopped.
- These can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated.