Fun holiday recipes – Bacon Cheese Ball Bites

This time of year there are so many holiday parties and we run out of ideas of fun things to bring or what to make for the parties we are hosting.  Here are a few fun ideas to change up your holiday party planning.  

Easy grab cheese ball bites:

Ingredients:

8 slices bacon (1 1/2 oz.), (8-oz.) blocks cream cheese, softened, shredded cheddar cheese (You can also use a mixture of cheeses for a different flavor), garlic powder 1 tsp., paprika, Salt, Freshly ground black pepper, freshly chopped chives 1/3 c., finely chopped pecans 1/2 c, pretzels sticks

Instructions:

1. In a large nonstick skillet, cook bacon until crispy, 8 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate, then finely chop. Set aside. (NOTE: If you make extra, you can always freeze the cooked bacon and pop it in the microwave later.  It’s usually easy to just make the whole bacon package.)
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and paprika and season with salt and pepper. Use a scoop (some sort of small spoon works) to form mixture into 18 small balls and transfer to a parchment–lined baking sheet. Refrigerate until firm, 1 hour.
3. In a shallow bowl, stir together bacon, chives, and pecans.
4. Roll balls in bacon-chive-pecan mixture, insert a pretzel stick into each, and let come to room temperature 15 minutes before serving. (If not serving right away, loosely cover with plastic wrap and return to fridge.)  (NOTE: So many times you can exchange a toothpick for a pretzel stick for a fun and yummy way to serve your appetizers or treats.)

……. This recipe was found on Delish.com