Cheesy Garlic Bat Bites
Get ready to delight your guests this Halloween with these Cheesy Garlic Bat Bites! Inspired by whimsical holiday treats, these adorable cheese balls are packed with flavor and dressed up to look like bats. The rich combination of cream cheese and sharp cheddar pulls everyone in, while the hint of garlic and spice will leave them wanting more. Perfectly sized for snacking, these treats are sure to be the talk of the spooky season!
16
Servings
72
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
4 ounces (softened)
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
2 cups (grated)
Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 teaspoon
Lemon Juice
1 teaspoon
Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon
Cayenne Pepper
to taste
Poppy Seeds
2-3 tablespoons
Blue Corn Chips
32 (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated sharp cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
2
Scoop out about two tablespoons of the cheese mixture and roll it into a ball shape, approximately 2 inches in diameter. Repeat this process until all of the mixture has been shaped into balls.
3
Roll each cheese ball thoroughly in poppy seeds and a sprinkle of black pepper to give them a festive look.
4
Once all the balls are rolled, place them on a serving platter, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the balls to firm up.
5
Before serving, carefully place two blue corn chips on either side of each cheese ball to create the wings of your spooky bat. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
4.9g
Fat
2.5g
Carbs
4.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Garlic Bat Bites?
Cheesy Garlic Bat Bites are Halloween-themed cheese balls made from cream cheese and sharp cheddar, rolled in poppy seeds and garnished with blue corn chips to look like bats.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 16 individual bat bites.
What are the main ingredients for the cheese mixture?
The mixture consists of cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
How do I prepare the bat wings?
The wings are created by placing two blue corn chips into the sides of each cheese ball before serving.
What gives the bats their black color?
The cheese balls are rolled in poppy seeds and black pepper to create a dark, festive look.
Do the cheese balls need to be refrigerated?
Yes, they should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to firm up.
How many calories are in one Cheesy Garlic Bat Bite?
Each serving contains approximately 72 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each bat bite contains 4.9g of fat.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 4.3g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each bat bite?
Each serving contains 2.5g of carbohydrates.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and roll the cheese balls in advance, but it is best to add the chip wings just before serving to keep them crunchy.
What size should the cheese balls be?
Each cheese ball should be approximately 2 inches in diameter, using about two tablespoons of the mixture.
What kind of cheddar cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for sharp cheddar cheese, preferably grated, for the best flavor and texture.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a slight kick due to the cayenne pepper, but you can adjust the amount to your taste preference.
What is the role of lemon juice in this recipe?
Lemon juice adds a hint of acidity that balances the richness of the cream cheese and cheddar.
How many blue corn chips are needed in total?
You will need 32 blue corn chips to provide two wings for each of the 16 bats.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover cheese balls should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I substitute poppy seeds?
If you do not have poppy seeds, you could try very finely crushed dark crackers or black sesame seeds, though the texture will change.
Does the cream cheese need to be softened?
Yes, softening the cream cheese makes it much easier to mix with the other ingredients for a smooth consistency.
What seasoning provides the garlic flavor?
The garlic flavor comes from 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder mixed directly into the cheese.
Is this a good appetizer for a Halloween party?
Absolutely, these whimsical treats are specifically designed to be spooky and conversation-starting snacks for the season.
How do you apply the poppy seeds?
Once the cheese mixture is rolled into balls, you roll each ball thoroughly in the poppy seeds until covered.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 8 total ingredients used in this recipe.
Can I add eyes to the bats?
While not in the basic recipe, you could add small pieces of olive or edible eyes for extra character.
What is the texture of these bat bites?
They are creamy and rich on the inside with a slight crunch from the poppy seed coating and the corn chip wings.
Should I use a mixer to combine the ingredients?
A large mixing bowl and a spoon or spatula are usually sufficient, but a hand mixer can ensure a very smooth blend.
How long does it take to prep these?
Preparation involves mixing and rolling, plus 30 minutes of refrigeration time.
Can I use white cheddar instead of sharp cheddar?
Yes, white cheddar works fine, though sharp cheddar provides a stronger flavor profile.
What if the cheese balls are too soft to roll?
If the mixture is too soft, chill it in the bowl for 15-20 minutes before attempting to shape the balls.
Are these bites gluten-free?
Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you should check your Worcestershire sauce and blue corn chips to ensure they are certified gluten-free.