Description
Spicy “Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread” blends savory Southern charm with bold pepper heat. Crisp, buttery crackers deliver unexpected zest that pulls guests closer to the snack plate with irresistible flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
Seasonings and Spices:
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 small jalapeno, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
Instructions
- Cream softened butter in a spacious mixing vessel until silky and uniform, incorporating shredded cheddar cheese thoroughly to create a rich, cohesive mixture.
- Gradually fold in flour, introducing salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, gently blending until a crumbly texture emerges. Carefully integrate finely chopped jalapeno peppers, ensuring even distribution throughout the developing dough.
- Partition the consolidated mixture into two equal segments, meticulously forming each into a cylindrical log approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Encase each log securely in plastic film, then rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of 60 minutes to solidify and enhance flavor melding.
- Heat the oven to 350°F, preparing a baking sheet with parchment paper. Carefully slice the chilled logs into delicate rounds approximately 1/4-inch thick, positioning them with slight separation to allow for gentle expansion during baking.
- Transfer the shortbread rounds into the preheated oven, allowing them to transform for 15-18 minutes until edges acquire a delicate golden hue. Remove from heat and permit minimal resting time on the baking sheet before transitioning to a cooling rack for complete temperature reduction.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and smoother dough texture, ensuring all ingredients blend perfectly without overmixing.
- Wear gloves when handling jalapenos to prevent skin irritation from the spicy oils, and remove seeds for milder heat if preferred.
- Chill the dough thoroughly to help shortbread maintain its shape and develop a crisp, delicate texture during baking.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or sharp white cheddar to customize the flavor profile and add unique depth to the shortbread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 202
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 146 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg