Bacon and Chives Cheese Ball Bites Recipe
Bacon and Chives Cheese Ball Bites
Submitted By: Taz
Ingredients:
10 slices Thick Cut Bacon - fine diced
16 oz. Cream Cheese - softened
¾ Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese - fine shredded
½ Cup Monterey Jack Cheese - fine shredded
2 small cloves Fresh Garlic - minced
1 ¼ tsp Paprika
½ tsp Onion Powder
Kosher Salt to taste
Fresh Ground Black Pepper to taste
⅓ Cup (heaping) Fresh Chives - small chopped
Pretzel Sticks
Preparation:
- Place the chopped bacon in a cold skillet and place over medium heat - Allow to cook (Stirring frequently) until crispy (apx 7 minutes) - Using a slotted spoon, transfer to absorbent paper and set aside until needed
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey jack, garlic, paprika, and onion powder until thoroughly combined / well distributed - Season with salt and pepper to taste
- Form the cheese mixture into 24 small balls and transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet - Place in the refrigerator for 1 hour until firm
- In a small, shallow bowl mix together the cooked bacon and chives until thoroughly combined
- Roll the chilled cheese balls in the bacon and chive mixture (you may have to gently press the coating into the cheese to make it stick) and return the coated cheese balls to the lined baking sheet and loosely cover with plastic wrap - Return to the refrigerator and allow to chill for a minimum 2 hours (overnight for better results) to allow the flavors to develop
- Remove from refrigerator and remove plastic wrap 20 minutes before ready to serve to come to near room temperature - Insert a pretzel stick into each as a 'handle' and arrange on a serving tray/platter with some extra pretzels on the side - Enjoy
