Irresistible Pimento Cheese-Bacon Pretzel Bites

Fans of pimento cheese will love these savory appetizer bites, rolled and coated in a salty, crunchy layer of bacon and nuts. They’re as fun to eat as they are to serve…with an edible pretzel stick for easy entertaining!

How about a fun make-ahead appetizer for cheese lovers?

Are you a fan of Pimento Cheese? It’s considered the Pâté of the South. . . a staple like Sweet Tea, served at luncheons, showers, and right alongside cold fried chicken and deviled eggs at a covered-dish supper or proper Southern picnic.

Spelled either ‘pimento’ or ‘pimiento’, however you spell it, we pronounce it pimenacheese in the South. ;)

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These Pimento Cheese-Bacon Pretzel Bites are a satisfying combination of textures and flavors. . . creamy, cheesy, crunchy, salty and just the slightest hint of sweet from a coating of chopped honey roasted peanuts. We really liked the honey roasted nuts for a sweet and salty combination to pair with bacon, but feel free to swap out the peanuts for chopped pecans, almonds or nuts of your choice.

You can turn up or down the heat in these bites with some minced jalapeños. Remove the seeds and ribs for less heat, or omit the jalapeños all together if you prefer.

 The pimento cheese mixture is a combination of shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, goat cheese and cream cheese, with a scant amount of mayo. If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, feel free to use more cream cheese.

Tip: For best flavor, grate the cheese off the block, instead of using pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents that make it dry and hard to incorporate. For best texture, grate the cheese half on the large holes on a box grater and half on the small holes.

If you’re in the market for a box grater, this one has a handy detachable measuring cup

and 6,544 global ratings with 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Pimento Cheese-Bacon Pretzel Bites, adapted from Southern Lady Magazine.

4 ounces Cream Cheese, softened

4 ounces Goat Cheese, softened

3 tablespoons Mayonnaise

1 teaspoon Worcestershire

1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder

1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper, adjust to preferred spice level

1 cup extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, grated 

 4-ounce jar Diced Pimientos, drained and patted dry

1 cup finely chopped cooked bacon (about 1 pound)

1 cup honey-roasted peanuts, finely chopped

2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped (optional)

3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

36 pretzel sticks for serving

In a large bowl, stir together cream cheese and goat cheese until smooth. Stir in mayonnaise, Worcestershire, garlic powder and cayenne pepper. Stir in Cheddar and drained pimentos. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm.

In a shallow bowl, stir together chopped bacon, peanuts, jalapeños, and parsley.

Using a measuring spoon or small scoop, scoop about 2 teaspoons cheese mixture and shape into a ball. Repeat to make 36 equal-size balls. Roll each ball in bacon mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

To make ahead and for easier rolling and shaping, mix your pimento cheese mixture 4 hours or up to a day in advance and allow it to firm up in the refrigerator. Shape the mixture into balls and allow the balls to chill and firm at least 2 hours before serving. To keep the pretzel sticks crunchy and fresh, carefully insert 1 pretzel stick into each ball right before serving.

‘M’ stands for ‘mmm good’. . .and also Mary ;)

Pimento Cheese fans might also like:

Smoked Gouda Pimiento Cheese

Enjoy as a spread with your favorite dipper, in a grilled cheese sandwich (with bacon!), for your burger topping, or stirred into pasta for a tasty twist on easy mac and cheese.

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