What type of cheese works best for this snack?

Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal for its firm texture and bold flavor, but other cheeses like gouda or pepper jack can be used for variety.

How can I add extra flavor to the cheese cubes?

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

Adding seedless grapes or cherry tomato halves between the cheese and pretzel stick creates a colorful, eye-catching snack.

Assemble sparklers just before serving since pretzels lose their crunch when refrigerated or exposed to moisture.

This option is vegetarian, but contains dairy and wheat; consider allergen information when serving guests sensitive to these ingredients.

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 is a holiday tradition in our family, bringing everyone together with its simplicity and festive flair.

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

Arrange Cheese:: Arrange the cheddar cheese cubes on a plate or tray.
Garnish Cheese:: If desired, roll or sprinkle the tops of some cheese cubes with chopped chives, parsley, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds for variety.
Skewer Cheese:: Skewer each cheddar cube onto one end of a pretzel stick to resemble a sparkler.
Add Color:: For extra color and flavor, add a grape or cherry tomato half to the pretzel before adding the cheese cube.
Serve:: Stand the sparklers upright on a serving platter for a festive display. Serve immediately.

These sparklers have been a hit at every New Year’s Eve party I’ve hosted—the kids especially love them!

For extra flair, use a mix of different cheeses such as gouda pepper jack or smoked cheddar and serve with honey mustard or a spicy dip on the side.

Sharp knife cutting board serving platter

Contains milk (cheese) and wheat (pretzel sticks) sesame seeds may be an allergen if used always check labels for possible cross-contamination

This recipe is guaranteed to brighten up your holiday celebrations with minimal effort.

→ What type of cheese works best for this snack?: Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal for its firm texture and bold flavor, but other cheeses like gouda or pepper jack can be used for variety.
→ How can I add extra flavor to the cheese cubes?: Sprinkle chopped chives, parsley, poppy seeds, or toasted sesame seeds on the cheese cubes before skewering for added aroma and taste.
→ Are there options for adding color to the presentation?: Adding seedless grapes or cherry tomato halves between the cheese and pretzel stick creates a colorful, eye-catching snack.
→ How should I store leftovers to keep the pretzels crisp?: Assemble sparklers just before serving since pretzels lose their crunch when refrigerated or exposed to moisture.
→ Can this snack accommodate dietary restrictions?: This option is vegetarian, but contains dairy and wheat; consider allergen information when serving guests sensitive to these ingredients.