Pin A festive, bite-sized party snack featuring sharp cheddar cheese cubes skewered on crispy pretzel sticks, perfect for ringing in the New Year.
This snack has become my go-to for holiday gatherings because it’s quick to make and loved by everyone.
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
- Step 1:
- Arrange the cheddar cheese cubes on a plate or tray.
- Step 2:
- If desired, roll or sprinkle the tops of some cheese cubes with chopped chives, parsley, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds for variety.
- Step 3:
- Skewer each cheddar cube onto one end of a pretzel stick to resemble a sparkler.
- Step 4:
- For extra color and flavor, add a grape or cherry tomato half to the pretzel before adding the cheese cube.
- Step 5:
- Stand the sparklers upright on a serving platter for a festive display. Serve immediately.
Pin
My family loves gathering around the platter and trying different cheese and garnish combinations every New Year's Eve.
Required Tools
Sharp knife, cutting board, serving platter
Nutritional Information
Each sparkler contains approximately 55 calories with 3.6 g fat, 3.5 g carbohydrates, and 2.8 g protein.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with honey mustard or a spicy dip for an extra flavor boost.
Pin These sparklers add a simple yet elegant touch to any party table.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar provides a balanced flavor and firm texture that pairs well with pretzels, but you can substitute with gouda or pepper jack for variation.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
To keep pretzels crisp, assemble sparklers just before serving.
- → Are there vegetarian options?
This snack is vegetarian-friendly, featuring cheese and pretzel sticks without meat.
- → What garnishes enhance flavor?
Sprinkle herbs like chives or parsley, and seeds such as poppy or sesame, for added taste and texture.
- → How can I add color to these bites?
Include seedless grapes or halved cherry tomatoes on the skewers to create a vibrant display.