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Cheese Ball Bites with Jalapenos, Pimentos, Bacon, and Pecans Recipe

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4 from 12 reviews

These Cheese Ball Bites are creamy, tangy, and perfectly spiced appetizers featuring sharp cheddar cheese blended with cream cheese, mayonnaise, jalapeños, and pimentos. Rolled in a savory bacon and pecan coating and served with pretzel sticks, they make the ideal bite-sized treat for parties or gatherings.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 20 servings

Ingredients

Cheese Ball Mixture

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1-2 jalapeños, seeded & minced
  • 4 oz pimentos, diced and drained

Coating & Assembly

  • 6 slices bacon, cooked & chopped small
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped small
  • Pretzel sticks

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, pepper, minced jalapeños, and diced pimentos. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended into a uniform mixture.
  2. Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and firms up the mixture, making it easier to shape into balls.
  3. Prepare Coating: While the cheese mixture chills, in a shallow dish, combine the cooked and finely chopped bacon pieces with the chopped pecans. Mix them well to create an even coating mixture.
  4. Form and Coat Cheese Balls: Once chilled, take portions of the cheese mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls. Then roll each cheese ball in the bacon and pecan mixture until fully coated on the outside for added texture and flavor.
  5. Insert Pretzel Sticks: Just before serving, insert a pretzel stick into the center of each coated cheese ball to serve as a handle, making them easy to pick up and eat as a delightful finger food.

Notes

  • For a milder version, reduce or omit the jalapeños.
  • Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Bacon can be prepared in advance and stored until ready to use.
  • These cheese ball bites are best served within a few hours of assembly for optimal texture.
  • Can be made a day ahead; keep refrigerated and add pretzel sticks before serving.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes (bacon cooking time)
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://yourdailycook.com/cheese-ball-bites-with-jalapenos-pimentos-bacon-and-pecans-recipe/