Cracked Out Cheeseball Bites on a Pretzel Stick Recipe

Introduction

These Cracked Out Cheeseball Bites on a Pretzel Stick are the ultimate party snack—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory bacon and crunchy pecans. They’re perfectly bite-sized and fun to eat, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 – 8oz packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 oz packet dry ranch dressing mix
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¾ cup bacon pieces, finely chopped
• ½ cup pecans, finely chopped
• ⅓ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 20 pretzel sticks

Instructions

1. Step 1: Chop the parsley finely and make sure the bacon and pecans are chopped well for an even coating.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and dry ranch dressing mix until smooth. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese along with half of the chopped bacon, pecans, and parsley.
3. Step 3: In a separate small bowl, combine the remaining bacon, pecans, and parsley. This will be the crunchy coating for the cheeseballs.
4. Step 4: Shape the cream cheese mixture into 1 ½ inch balls using your hands or a spoon. Roll each ball in the bacon, pecan, and parsley mixture until fully coated.
5. Step 5: Place the coated cheeseballs in a baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour to let the flavors meld.
6. Step 6: Just before serving, insert a pretzel stick into each cheeseball. Arrange on a platter and serve with extra pretzels or crackers for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño to the cream cheese mixture.
• Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred for a different nutty flavor.
• Use flavored pretzel sticks, such as honey mustard or spicy, to add an extra layer of taste.
• Prepare the cheeseballs a day ahead to let the flavors deepen even more. Just keep them covered and refrigerated.

Storage

Store any leftover cheeseball bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve again, simply let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes. Avoid adding pretzel sticks before storing, as they can become soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cheeseball bites ahead of time?

Yes! They actually taste better after chilling for several hours or overnight, which helps the flavors meld perfectly.

Are these cheeseball bites gluten-free?

The cheeseballs themselves are gluten-free, but regular pretzel sticks contain gluten. You can substitute with gluten-free pretzel sticks or serve with crackers labeled gluten-free.

Cracked Out Cheeseball Bites on a Pretzel Stick Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 106 reviews

These Cracked Out Cheeseball Bites on a Pretzel Stick are a delicious and fun appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. Made with a creamy blend of cream cheese, ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar, and a crunchy coating of bacon, pecans, and fresh parsley, these bites combine rich flavors and textures. The pretzel sticks add a satisfying crunch and make them easy to serve and eat.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 20 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 – 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 oz packet dry ranch dressing mix
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Coating

• ¾ cup bacon pieces, finely chopped (divided)
• ½ cup pecans, finely chopped (divided)
• ⅓ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (divided)

For Serving

• 20 pretzel sticks

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Chop the fresh parsley finely, and ensure the bacon pieces and pecans are finely chopped for an even coating on the cheeseballs.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the dry ranch dressing mix. Mix until smooth, then fold in the shredded cheddar cheese along with half of the chopped bacon, pecans, and parsley to integrate flavor throughout.
3. Prepare the Coating: In a separate small bowl, combine the remaining chopped bacon, pecans, and parsley. This mixture will be used to coat the outside of the cheeseballs, adding a crunchy texture and extra flavor.
4. Shape Cheeseballs: Using your hands or a spoon, form the cream cheese mixture into approximately 1½ inch balls, about the size of a golf ball, ensuring even sizing for consistent eating.
5. Coat Cheeseballs: Roll each shaped cheeseball in the bacon, pecan, and parsley mixture until evenly coated on all sides.
6. Chill: Place the coated cheeseballs in a baking dish in a single layer. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the bites to firm up.
7. Add Pretzel Sticks: Just before serving, insert one pretzel stick into the center of each cheeseball. The pretzel stick adds crunch and makes the bites easy to handle.
8. Serve: Arrange the cheeseball bites on a serving platter. Optionally, serve with extra pretzels or crackers on the side for guests to enjoy alongside these flavorful appetizers.

Notes

• For best results, ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth mixture.
• Feel free to substitute bacon with a vegetarian alternative if desired, though this will alter the flavor profile.
• These cheeseball bites can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
• Use finely chopped ingredients for the coating to ensure the coating adheres properly to the cheeseballs.
• Serving these bites chilled enhances their texture and flavor.

Keywords: cheeseball bites, bacon cheeseballs, ranch dressing, appetizer, party food, pretzel sticks, easy appetizers