What type of cheese works best for sparklers?

Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal due to its firm texture and rich flavor, which holds well on skewers.

Can I use other garnishes besides chives and seeds?

Yes, you can add parsley, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or even a light drizzle of honey mustard for extra taste and texture.

Assemble sparklers just before serving to prevent pretzels from becoming soggy and to maintain their crunch.

Absolutely, seedless red or green grapes and cherry tomato halves add freshness and a burst of flavor between the cheese and pretzel.

These sparklers contain dairy from cheese and wheat from pretzels; sesame seeds may also be an allergen if used as garnish.

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 has been a hit at every New Year's Eve gathering I've hosted, bringing smiles and compliments every time.

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.

This snack is always a family favorite, bringing everyone together to celebrate with tasty, easy-to-eat treats.

Pair these sparklers with honey mustard or a spicy dip on the side for added flavor and variety.

Keep ingredients separate and assemble sparklers just before serving to ensure pretzels stay crunchy and fresh.

Try mixing different cheeses like gouda, pepper jack, or smoked cheddar for a colorful and flavorful twist.

These sparklers add a joyful and festive touch to any celebration, making party prep effortless and fun.

→ What type of cheese works best for sparklers?: Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal due to its firm texture and rich flavor, which holds well on skewers.
→ Can I use other garnishes besides chives and seeds?: Yes, you can add parsley, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or even a light drizzle of honey mustard for extra taste and texture.
→ How can I keep pretzel sticks crisp when assembling?: Assemble sparklers just before serving to prevent pretzels from becoming soggy and to maintain their crunch.
→ Is it possible to add fruit to these sparklers?: Absolutely, seedless red or green grapes and cherry tomato halves add freshness and a burst of flavor between the cheese and pretzel.
→ Are there any allergen considerations?: These sparklers contain dairy from cheese and wheat from pretzels; sesame seeds may also be an allergen if used as garnish.