Loaded Mini Cheese Balls

In collaboration with Fresh.co.nz

Makes: 20 balls approx

INGREDIENTS

250g Roasted Garlic & Herbs cream cheese

100g Tasty cheese, grated

Salt and pepper, to taste

70g FreshLife Pistachios, finely chopped

50g FreshLife Pecans, finely chopped

6 slices streaky bacon

Pretzel sticks

Pitted Colossal Green Olives

METHOD

  • Preheat the oven to 160°C (bake) and line a baking tray with baking paper.

  • Blend together the cheeses and season to taste.

  • Using dampened fingers, mould the cheese mixture into 3 cm-sized balls and place on your tray. Refrigerate until firm, approximately 1 hour.

  • Place chopped FreshLife pistachios and pecans onto a lined baking tray and toast for 8 -10 minutes in the oven. Set aside to cool.

  • In a large non-stick frying pan, cook the bacon until crispy.

  • Transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Once cooled, finely chop and set aside.

  • Combine the nuts and bacon in a bowl. Roll the cheese balls in the nut and bacon mixture and store in a sealed container in the fridge until ready to serve.

  • To serve, remove from the fridge, insert a pretzel stick into each ball and place on a serving platter.

     

    TIP: Use any leftover nut and bacon mixture to liven up your summer salad.

 
Snacks, ChristmasSarah BlazeyPistachio Kernels, Pecans