What type of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar provides a rich, tangy flavor that pairs well with the saltiness of pretzel sticks. For variety, try gouda or pepper jack.

How can I add extra flavor to the cheese cubes?

Sprinkle chopped chives, parsley, poppy seeds, or toasted sesame seeds on the cheese cubes for added aroma and texture.

Serve upright on a platter for a festive display, and consider offering honey mustard or spicy dipping sauce on the side.

Assemble shortly before serving to preserve the crispness of the pretzel sticks and freshness of the cheese.

Seedless grapes or cherry tomato halves add a burst of color and complement the cheese and pretzels with fresh flavor.

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 been a hit at every New Year's Eve party I've hosted, always disappearing before midnight.

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

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.

My family loves gathering around the platter, each picking their favorite flavors and colors.

Sharp knife, Cutting board, Serving platter

Per sparkler: 55 calories, 3.6 g total fat, 3.5 g carbohydrates, 2.8 g protein

Serve with honey mustard or a spicy dip on the side for extra flair.

This easy recipe will brighten any party and impress your guests.

→ What type of cheese works best?: Sharp cheddar provides a rich, tangy flavor that pairs well with the saltiness of pretzel sticks. For variety, try gouda or pepper jack.
→ How can I add extra flavor to the cheese cubes?: Sprinkle chopped chives, parsley, poppy seeds, or toasted sesame seeds on the cheese cubes for added aroma and texture.
→ Are there any serving suggestions for these sparklers?: Serve upright on a platter for a festive display, and consider offering honey mustard or spicy dipping sauce on the side.
→ Can I prepare this in advance?: Assemble shortly before serving to preserve the crispness of the pretzel sticks and freshness of the cheese.
→ What optional ingredients can be added?: Seedless grapes or cherry tomato halves add a burst of color and complement the cheese and pretzels with fresh flavor.