Easy Jalapeno Cheese Bites
These easy jalapeno cheese bites are a delightful combination of creamy cheese and spicy jalapenos, perfect for any gathering.
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Shallow dish
- Plastic wrap
Ingredients
- 8 oz Sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 oz Cream cheese
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- to taste Salt & black pepper
- 2 medium Jalapeno peppers (diced, stems, veins, and seeds removed)
- 1/4 cup Pimentos
- 4 slices Bacon
- 1/4 cup Pecans
- 20 Pretzel sticks
Instructions
- Mix sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, black pepper, diced jalapeños, and pimentos in a large bowl until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour.
- Combine bacon and pecans in a shallow dish, then form the cheese mixture into balls and roll each in the bacon-pecan mixture.
- Prepare a day in advance and store covered in plastic wrap in the refrigerator.
- Before serving, remove cheese balls from the fridge a couple of hours prior and insert a pretzel stick into each.
Notes
Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation. These cheese bites can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator or freezer; wrap them in plastic to maintain texture. Allow them to reach room temperature before serving; avoid microwaving. For a twist, consider deep-frying them after chilling.