Pimento Cheese-Bacon Pretzel Bites
Fans of pimento cheese will love these savory appetizer bites, rolled and coated in an 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!
Servings: 36 servings
Ingredients
- 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 see notes below
- 1 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
Instructions
- 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. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. To serve, carefully insert 1 pretzel stick into each ball.
Notes
- For easier rolling, make the pimento cheese mixture a day in advance to firm up.
- For the creamiest pimiento cheese, buy the cheese in blocks and shred by hand. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make it dry. For best texture, grate the cheese half on the large holes on a box grater and half on the small holes.
- Substitute cream cheese for goat cheese if you prefer.
- Substitute peanuts with pecans or nuts of choice.