Cheese Ball Bites

Ingredients

8

slices bacon

(found that you might want to use the equivalent of real bacon chips)

1 1/2 oz.

(8-oz.) blocks cream cheese, softened

1 c.

shredded cheddar

1 tsp.

garlic powder

1 tsp.

paprika

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/3 c.

freshly chopped chives

1/3 c.

finely chopped pecans

18

pretzels sticks

In a large nonstick skillet, cook bacon until crispy, 8 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate, then finely chop. Set aside.  (or use equivalent amount of real bacon chips - think it would be easier to roll them)

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and paprika and season with salt and pepper. Use a cookie scoop to form mixture into 18 small balls and transfer to a parchment–lined baking sheet. Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour.

In a shallow bowl, stir together bacon, chives, and pecans.

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.)