What’s Cooking? Mini Cheese Balls Appetizer

A couple of years ago my husband and I, along with 2 other couples, started a supper club.  Our supper club has grown to five couples since then.  This month it is our turn to host the supper.  Although the supper isn’t until next weekend, these mini cheese balls are one of the things that I am preparing in advance.  With the busy holidays ahead, and many invitations to parties, you might want to make a couple of batches of these ahead of time.  Just make them and freeze them. When you need to bring something to a party, take them out of the freezer, let them defrost, add a pretzel stick (optional), place on a platter, and you have something to bring to the party.

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients
8 ounces cream cheese
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Pinch or two of salt
1 cup cheddar cheese
½ cup pecans
6 slices cooked bacon
¼ cup chives
pretzel sticks (optional)

Directions:
Mix cream cheese and seasonings together until smooth. Add cheddar cheese and mix.

Using a small melon ball scoop as a measurement, I scooped up the cheese mixture and rolled them into mini balls.  Cover and refrigerate until firm.

Chop the pecans, bacon, and chives and mix.  Place in a shallow bowl.
When the mini balls are firm, roll them into this mixture and press until they are fully coated.  They are now ready to eat.  Place them on a platter or wooden board.  Adding a pretzel stick makes it easy to serve, but is optional.

When freezing them for a later date, place them on a cookie sheet, making sure that they are not touching.

After they are frozen you can place them into a freezer bag and place back into the freezer.
Remove from freezer as needed, defrost, add a pretzel stick if you’d like, place on a platter, and enjoy.

–Penny