Description
The beauty of this no-bake recipe is its simplicity. You’re just combining a handful of high-flavor ingredients to create the perfect party appetizer. These two-bite cheese ball pops are creamy, tangy, sweet, and crunchy, all served on a convenient pretzel stick handle.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 8 oz (1 block) Cream Cheese, full-fat, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Green Onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Pecans, finely chopped (for coating)
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- To taste Salt and Pepper
- 1 package Pretzel Sticks
Instructions
- Combine the Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, finely chopped dried cranberries, chopped green onions, honey, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Mix Until Smooth: Using a hand mixer on low speed or a sturdy spatula, mix all the ingredients together until they are evenly combined and the mixture is smooth. Taste and add salt and pepper as you like.
- Form the Cheese Ball Pops: Line a baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper. Using a small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon), scoop out portions of the cheese mixture. Gently roll each portion between your palms to form a smooth, 1-inch ball. Place the finished balls on the parchment-lined sheet.
- Chill to Firm: Place the baking sheet with the cheese balls into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial to make the balls firm and tacky.
- Coat in Pecans: Place the finely chopped pecans into a shallow bowl. Once the cheese balls are firm, roll each one gently but firmly in the chopped pecans, pressing lightly to ensure the nuts adhere all over.
- Insert Pretzels and Serve: Gently insert one pretzel stick into the center of each coated cheese ball, just deep enough to be stable. Arrange on a platter and serve immediately or refrigerate.
Notes
- Room Temp Cream Cheese: Your cream cheese must be at room temperature. If it’s too cold, you’ll end up with lumps of plain cream cheese instead of a smooth, perfectly blended base.
- Don’t Skip Chilling: The 30-minute chill time is the secret to getting the pecan coating to stick perfectly without mashing the cheese ball.
- Pretzel Timing: Wait to insert the pretzel sticks until just before you’re ready to serve (within an hour or two). If you add them too far in advance, the pretzels can absorb moisture from the cheese and become soft.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: No-Bake, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pop
- Calories: 95 kcal
- Sugar: 2.5 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
