Can I use other cheeses besides cheddar?

Yes, gouda, pepper jack, or smoked cheddar can be used to add variety and different flavor profiles.

How do I keep pretzels crisp when serving?

Assemble the sparklers just before serving to ensure the pretzels remain crunchy and fresh.

Chopped chives, fresh parsley, poppy seeds, or toasted sesame seeds add aroma and texture to the cheese cubes.

They are optional but add extra color, flavor, and freshness to the sparklers.

Honey mustard or a spicy dip complements the sharp cheddar and crunchy pretzel textures beautifully.

Contains milk from cheese and wheat in pretzel sticks. Sesame seeds may be an allergen if used.

A festive, bite-sized party snack featuring sharp cheddar cheese cubes skewered on crispy pretzel sticks, perfect for ringing in the New Year.

This appetizer has become a tradition at our New Year's Eve parties, delighting guests with its simplicity and flavor.

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.

Our family enjoys making these together as a fun and quick snack before the countdown starts.

Sharp knife, cutting board, serving platter

Contains milk (cheese), wheat (pretzel sticks), and possibly sesame seeds if used. Always check labels for possible cross-contamination.

Per sparkler: Calories 55, Total Fat 3.6 g, Carbohydrates 3.5 g, Protein 2.8 g

These sparklers are not only delicious but also brighten up any party table with minimal effort.

→ Can I use other cheeses besides cheddar?: Yes, gouda, pepper jack, or smoked cheddar can be used to add variety and different flavor profiles.
→ How do I keep pretzels crisp when serving?: Assemble the sparklers just before serving to ensure the pretzels remain crunchy and fresh.
→ What garnishes can enhance the flavor?: Chopped chives, fresh parsley, poppy seeds, or toasted sesame seeds add aroma and texture to the cheese cubes.
→ Are grapes and cherry tomatoes necessary?: They are optional but add extra color, flavor, and freshness to the sparklers.
→ What dips pair well with these sparklers?: Honey mustard or a spicy dip complements the sharp cheddar and crunchy pretzel textures beautifully.
→ What allergens should I be aware of?: Contains milk from cheese and wheat in pretzel sticks. Sesame seeds may be an allergen if used.