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Yields:
18 serving(s)
Prep Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 15 mins
Cal/Serv:
179
These easy, cheesy bites are perfect for literally any occasion. They are so simple to make, and super versatile based on what you have on hand. Whether you're serving them as a game day snack or a Christmas appetizer, these bites will keep your guests coming back again and again (...and again).
I chose a cream cheese and cheddar mix here because the two combined bring a nice creamy, slightly sharp bite, but feel free to substitute the cheddar out for another of your favorite cheeses. If you are nut-free or just aren't a big fan of pecans, feel free to remove those as well, or substitute them for another crunchy bite like chopped pumpkin seeds or granola. I love their little pretzel handles, and they definitely add that little extra crunch, but feel free to leave them out as well if you'd rather just scoop with crackers. It's all up to you!
If you are preparing them the night before, cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate until about 1 hour before serving, then remove from fridge and let come to room temperature.
Made them? Let us know how it went in the comment section below!
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2
(8-oz.) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup
shredded cheddar
- 1 tsp.
garlic powder
- 1 tsp.
paprika
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
- 8
slices bacon
- 1/3 cup
roasted salted pecans, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup
fresh chives, chopped
- 18
pretzels sticks
Directions
- Step 1In 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.
- Step 2Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook bacon, turning occasionally, until crispy, about 8 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate, then transfer to a cutting board and finely chop.
- Step 3In a shallow bowl, mix bacon, pecans, and chives.
- Step 4Roll balls in bacon pecan mixture, insert a pretzel stick into each, and let come to room temperature 15 minutes before serving. (If not serving right away, loosely cover with plastic wrap and return to fridge.)
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