Are you looking for a super fun and easy snack for your next Halloween party? 🎃
It can be tough to find savory treats that are just as exciting as the sugary sweets, especially ones that don’t take all day to make. You want something that looks amazing but is secretly simple. ✨
I’ve got the perfect solution! These Pretzel & Cheese Broomsticks use just three ingredients and come together in minutes. They are the cutest, most delicious little bites that everyone will love. 🧹
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Servings: 24 broomsticks
Nutrition (per broomstick): 38 Calories | 2g Carbs | 2g Protein | 2g Fat | 135mg Sodium
Why You’ll Love These Pretzel & Cheese Broomsticks 🍽️
- Incredibly Simple: You only need 3 basic ingredients and about 15 minutes to put these together. I love that there is absolutely no baking required!
- The Perfect Party Food: These are so cute and easy to grab and eat. They are a guaranteed conversation starter at Halloween parties, potlucks, or even just for a fun after-school snack.
- Fun for All Ages: This is one of my favorite recipes for getting my kids involved in the kitchen. They have so much fun making their own little edible magic wands.
- Classic Savory Flavor: You just can’t beat that timeless combination. The salty crunch of the pretzel stick with the creamy, mild cheese is a flavor duo we all know and love.
Ingredient & Equipment Notes 🍽️
A Closer Look at Our Ingredients
- String Cheese: I find that using mozzarella string cheese is the secret here. It shreds so easily and makes the perfect “bristle” effect for our little brooms. I recommend using full-fat string cheese because it has a richer flavor and is less likely to break than the low-fat kind.
- Pretzel Sticks: Just look for standard, thin pretzel sticks at the store. They are the perfect size and shape for the broom “handle.” I always give the bag a gentle shake to make sure most of the pretzels are whole and not broken.
- Fresh Chives: These are for more than just looks! They add a lovely pop of green and a mild, oniony flavor. Best of all, they are the perfect flexible, edible “twine” to tie our brooms together.
Chef’s Tip: Keep the string cheese nice and cold in the fridge right until you’re ready to use it. Cold cheese is much firmer, which makes it easier to slice neatly.
The Tools for the Job
- Sharp Paring Knife: A small, sharp paring knife is truly your best friend for this recipe. It gives you the control you need to make those fine, hair-like cuts in the cheese to create the bristles.
Chef’s Tip: If you don’t have a paring knife handy, a clean pair of kitchen scissors can also work. You can use them to snip the cheese bristles and to trim the chives.
Ingredients & Equipment Summary
| Item | Key Consideration |
|---|---|
| String Cheese | Full-fat mozzarella is best for texture and ease of use. |
| Pretzel Sticks | Choose sturdy, thin sticks that aren’t broken. |
| Sharp Paring Knife | Essential for creating the fine “bristle” cuts on the cheese. |
Pro-Tips for Success 🍽️
Experiment with Different Cheeses and Flavors
While mozzarella is a classic choice, don’t be afraid to get creative! I’ve tried this with Colby-Jack and mild cheddar string cheese, and they both work beautifully. They add a great color and a slightly different flavor to the mix.
Note: Smoked string cheese is a fantastic option if you want to make these feel a bit more grown-up. It adds a wonderful, complex flavor that is so delicious.
Add a Sprinkle of Spice
For an extra pop of flavor, try this little trick. Before you insert the pretzel stick, lightly dust the cheese bristles with a tiny pinch of smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even a ranch seasoning blend. It really takes them to the next level!
Creative “Ties” for Your Brooms
If you can’t find fresh chives or want to try something new, you have options! A blanched green onion strip (just the green part) works well. You could also use a very thin strip of red bell pepper for a fun and different look.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings 🍽️
- Dipping Sauces: We love serving these with a simple bowl of marinara sauce. They are also fantastic with honey mustard, creamy hummus, or a savory beer cheese dip.
- Party Platter: Make these the star of a big snack board! Arrange the broomsticks with other easy bites like olives, cherry tomatoes, sliced salami, and crackers.
- “Park Your Broom”: For a really fun display, stand the broomsticks up in a small pot or glass filled with a thick dip, like hummus or a cheese spread. It looks so cute and is very interactive!
Recipe FAQs 🍽️
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you definitely can. You can assemble them up to 4-6 hours in advance. Just lay them in a single layer in an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. The pretzels might soften just a little over time, so I think they are best when enjoyed fresh.
How do I keep the pretzel sticks from breaking?
The key is to not cut the cheese all the way through. Make sure you leave about a 1/2-inch of solid cheese at the top. This gives the pretzel stick a sturdy base. When you insert the pretzel, do it gently with a slight twisting motion.
My chives keep breaking when I try to tie them. What should I do?
I have a great trick for this! If your chives are a bit brittle, just soak them in a bowl of warm water for about a minute. This makes them much more pliable and easier to tie without snapping.
Savory Pretzel & Cheese Broomsticks 🍽️
A quick, cute, and delicious 3-ingredient appetizer perfect for Halloween parties and fun snacks.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Servings: 24 broomsticks
Ingredients
- 12 sticks of mozzarella string cheese
- 24 thin pretzel sticks
- 24 fresh chives
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese: Unwrap the 12 string cheese sticks. Using a sharp paring knife, cut each stick in half crosswise. This will give you 24 shorter cheese pieces.
- Create the Bristles: Take one piece of cheese. Leaving about a 1/2-inch solid at one end, make several lengthwise cuts around the other end. This will create the broom’s bristles. Gently fluff them out with your fingers. Repeat for all 24 pieces.
- Assemble the Broom: Carefully insert the end of one pretzel stick into the solid end of a piece of cheese.
- Tie and Serve: Take one fresh chive and tie it around the top of the cheese bristles. This secures it to the pretzel “handle.” Trim any long ends of the chive. Repeat for all broomsticks and arrange them on a platter to serve.
Notes
Note: These can be assembled up to 4 hours in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Chef’s Tip: If your chives are not flexible, soak them in warm water for 60 seconds to make them easier to tie.
Sources & References 📚
- U.S. Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Cheese, mozzarella, part-skim milk, string cheese. FoodData Central. Retrieved from https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171249/nutrients
- Lange, A. (2023). How to Cut Cheese Like a Pro. Bon Appétit. Retrieved from https://www.bonappetit.com/story/how-to-cut-cheese
- Drummond, R. (n.d.). Chive and Dill Sour Cream Cucumbers. The Pioneer Woman. Retrieved from https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10330/chive-and-dill-sour-cream-cucumbers/
And that’s all there is to it! These Pretzel & Cheese Broomsticks are always such a huge hit whenever I make them. I hope you give them a try for your next gathering! If you do, please leave a comment and a rating below. I’d love to know if you tried any of the fun variations or came up with your own! Happy snacking!
