8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
1/2 cup smoked turkey, cooked until crisp and crumbled
1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 cup crushed pecans or walnuts
Salt and black pepper to taste
Pretzel sticks for serving
Instructions
Place the smoked turkey slices in a skillet over medium heat. Cook them until they are crisp and the edges are slightly browned. Once done, remove them from the heat and let them cool on a paper towel. Once cooled, crumble them into very small pieces that will easily stick to the cheese.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use a spatula or a hand mixer to blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and the spices are evenly distributed. Season with a small amount of salt and pepper according to your preference.
Scoop out about one tablespoon of the cheese mixture at a time. Using your hands, roll the mixture into a small, smooth ball roughly the size of a large marble. Repeat this process until all of the cheese mixture has been shaped. If the mixture feels too soft, you can place it in the refrigerator for ten minutes to firm up before rolling.
In a shallow bowl, mix the crumbled smoked turkey, chopped chives, and crushed pecans. Roll each cheese ball in the mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres to the surface. Ensure each ball is fully covered in the colorful, savory topping.
Place the finished balls on a tray lined with parchment paper. Insert a pretzel stick into the top of each ball to act as a convenient handle. Refrigerate for at least thirty minutes before serving to help them hold their shape. This also allows the flavors to meld together perfectly for your Christmas celebration.
