Description
Delightful mini cheese balls featuring a creamy blend of cream cheese and cheddar, coated with a savory mix of pecans, bacon, and parsley, each served with a crunchy pretzel stick. Perfect as a savory snack or appetizer for gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 12 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheese (any cheddar blend)
- 3 tbsp. mayonnaise
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
Coating
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- ¼ cup bacon bits or small bacon crumble pieces
- 2 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
For Serving
- 20 pretzel sticks
Instructions
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar blend cheese, mayonnaise, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly for a couple of minutes until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
- Chill the Mixture: Transfer the cheese mixture to the refrigerator and chill for 15-20 minutes to firm up, making it easier to roll into balls.
- Prepare Coating Mix: While the cheese chills, finely chop the pecans, bacon bits, and fresh parsley. Combine them in a shallow bowl or dish and set aside.
- Form Cheese Balls: Once chilled, roll the cheese mixture into 1-inch-sized balls. Then roll each ball in the pecan, bacon, and parsley mixture to coat the exterior evenly. Place the coated cheese balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Insert Pretzel Sticks: Press a pretzel stick into the center of each mini cheese ball, serving as a handle for easy snacking.
- Final Chill: Cover the cheese balls with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Chill them until ready to serve to maintain firmness and flavors.
Notes
- Using a 1-inch cookie scoop helps ensure evenly sized cheese balls.
- Chilling the mixture before rolling is key for ease of shaping and coating.
- Can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheese ball with pretzel stick (approx. 30g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
