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Pimiento Cheese Pretzel Bites

MAKES 36
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Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 4 ounces goat cheese softened
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Creole mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup finely grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 1 4-ounce jar diced pimientos, drained and patted dry
  • 1 1/2 cups finely chopped cooked bacon about 1 1/4 pounds
  • 1 1/4 cups honey-roasted peanuts finely chopped
  • 2 jalapeño peppers seeded and finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 36 pretzel sticks for serving

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, stir together cream cheese and goat cheese until smooth. Stir in mayonnaise, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir in Cheddar and pimientos. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until firm.
  2. In a shallow bowl, stir together chopped bacon, peanuts, jalapeños, and parsley.
  3. Using a measuring spoon or small scoop, scoop about 2 teaspoons cheese mixture and shape into a ball. Repeat to make 36 equal-size balls. Roll each ball in bacon mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place balls on serving dish. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. To serve, carefully insert 1 pretzel stick into each ball.

Notes

Kitchen Tip: The pimiento cheese mixture can be made one day ahead; this will help to firm up the cheese mixture for shaping into balls.