8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 cup turkey bacon, cooked until crispy and finely crumbled
1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, finely chopped
16 pretzel sticks, for serving
Instructions
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and the finely shredded cheddar cheese. Use a spatula or a hand mixer on low speed to blend them until the mixture is completely smooth and the cheddar is evenly distributed. Ensure the cream cheese is truly at room temperature to avoid any lumps in your base.
Incorporate the garlic powder and onion powder into the cheese mixture. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly spread throughout the base so every bite has a consistent flavor. This is also the time to add a pinch of black pepper if you enjoy a little extra kick.
On a shallow plate or a small baking sheet, mix together the crumbled turkey bacon, finely chopped chives, and chopped pecans. Spread the mixture out into an even layer. This colorful blend will serve as the crunchy, flavorful coating for your cheese balls.
Scoop about one tablespoon of the cheese mixture at a time and roll it between your palms to form a small ball, roughly the size of a large marble. Immediately roll the ball in the turkey bacon and chive mixture, pressing gently so the toppings adhere to the surface. Repeat this process until all the cheese mixture is used.
Place the finished balls on a parchment-lined plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to help them firm up. Just before serving, insert a pretzel stick into the center of each ball to act as a convenient handle for your guests. This adds a nice salty crunch and makes them easy to pick up.
