Deborah Adams - Savory Bacon-Pecan Cheese Ball Bites

Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
• 1 (4 oz) container cream cheese spread, onion and chives flavor
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup bacon, cooked and chopped
• ½ cup pecans, chopped
• ½ cup fresh herbs of your choice, chopped
• 12 pretzel sticks

Directions

1. In a large bowl, stir together the cream cheese block and cream cheese spread. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Using a large spoon or scoop, form the mixture into 12 small balls. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.
3. In a shallow bowl, mix the bacon, pecans, and fresh herbs.
4. Roll the balls in the bacon-pecan mixture. Insert a pretzel stick into each and serve.

Chef’s Notes

• For the fresh herbs, I like using basil, chives, parsley, or thyme.