Save A playful, spicy appetizer featuring creamy cheese, tangy pretzel biscuits, and a fiery Flamin Hot crust—perfect for parties or game nights.
I first made these skewers for a game night with friends, and everyone loved the crunchy pretzel paired with the creamy, spicy filling.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese: 8 oz (225 g), softened
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1/2 cup (60 g)
- Fresh chives: 1 tablespoon, finely chopped
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Flamin Hot corn chips or Flamin Hot Cheetos: 2 cups (80 g), crushed into crumbs
- Mini pretzel biscuits (or pretzel sticks): 12, about 2–3 each
- Small wooden skewers or cocktail sticks: 12
- Extra chives: For garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Mix & Blend:
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chives, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Shape Cheese Balls:
- Roll heaping tablespoons of the cheese mixture into 12 evenly sized balls.
- Coat with Crunch:
- Place crushed Flamin Hot chips or Flamin Hot Cheetos in a shallow dish. Roll each cheese ball in the crumbs, pressing gently to coat completely.
- Assemble Skewers:
- Carefully skewer a pretzel biscuit onto each wooden stick, then top with a coated cheese ball.
- Serve & Garnish:
- Arrange the skewers on a serving platter. Garnish with extra chives, if desired. Serve immediately, or chill for up to 2 hours before serving.
Save
Save Kids love helping with these—rolling cheese balls and crusting them in tangy crumbs is always a hit at home.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, spoon or spatula, shallow dish, and small skewers or cocktail sticks are all you need for assembly.
Nutritional Information
Each skewer contains about 110 calories, 7 g total fat, 10 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Serving Tips
Pair with crisp lager or sparkling lemonade for a refreshing contrast to the spicy cheese filling.
Save
Save Colorful, fun, and just the right amount of heat—these skewers promise to spice up your next get-together!
Kitchen Guide
- → Can I use different pretzel types for these skewers?
Yes, thick pretzel sticks or mini pretzel biscuits both work well. Choose based on preferred crunch and size.
- → How should I store these before serving?
Best served fresh, but you can chill assembled skewers for up to 2 hours to maintain texture and flavor.
- → Are these vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, all ingredients are vegetarian. Just check for hidden animal-derived additives on snack packaging.
- → Can the heat level be adjusted?
Absolutely! Use milder chips or add just a few Flamin Hot crumbs for a gentler kick.
- → What dip pairs well with these skewers?
Try cooling ranch, sour cream dip, or a tangy yogurt sauce to balance the heat.
- → Is this safe for people with dairy or gluten allergies?
Contains both dairy and wheat. Not suitable for severe allergies; always review snack ingredient labels thoroughly.