Save A festive, bite-sized party snack featuring sharp cheddar cheese cubes skewered on crispy pretzel sticks, perfect for ringing in the New Year.
This recipe always brightens up our New Year celebrations and is a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients
- Cheese: 200 g (about 7 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 2 cm (¾-inch) cubes
- Garnishes: 2 tbsp chopped chives or fresh parsley (optional), 1 tbsp poppy seeds or toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- Crunchy Base: 24 thin pretzel sticks
- Optional Additions: 24 seedless red or green grapes, 24 cherry tomato halves
Instructions
- Arrange the cheddar cheese cubes:
- Arrange the cheddar cheese cubes on a plate or tray.
- Add garnishes:
- If desired, roll or sprinkle the tops of some cheese cubes with chopped chives, parsley, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds for variety.
- Skewer cheese:
- Skewer each cheddar cube onto one end of a pretzel stick to resemble a sparkler.
- Add optional fruit:
- For extra color and flavor, add a grape or cherry tomato half to the pretzel before adding the cheese cube.
- Serve:
- Stand the sparklers upright on a serving platter for a festive display Serve immediately.
Save This recipe always brings smiles when my family gathers around the table celebrating the New Year.
Notes
For extra flair, use a mix of different cheeses such as gouda pepper jack or smoked cheddar Serve with honey mustard or a spicy dip on the side
Required Tools
Sharp knife Cutting board Serving platter
Allergen Information
Contains milk (cheese) and wheat (pretzel sticks) Sesame seeds may be an allergen if used Always check labels for possible cross-contamination
Save A perfect easy party appetizer that’s sure to please every guest.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What types of cheese work well with pretzel sticks?
Firm cheeses like sharp cheddar, gouda, or smoked varieties hold well when skewered and offer great flavor contrasts with pretzel sticks.
- → Can I add fresh herbs for extra taste?
Yes, sprinkling chopped chives or parsley enhances the flavor and adds a fresh, vibrant touch to each bite.
- → How can I keep pretzel sticks crunchy when assembling?
Assemble just before serving to prevent pretzels from softening, ensuring a crisp texture with each sparkler.
- → Are there optional ingredients to add variety?
Yes, adding seedless grapes or cherry tomato halves brings color and balances the richness of the cheese.
- → What dips pair well with these cheese and pretzel sparklers?
Honey mustard or a mildly spicy dip complements the sharpness of cheddar and the saltiness of pretzels nicely.