Description
Savory jalapeño cheese shortbread delights with its spicy-sharp profile. These crisp, buttery crackers blend sharp cheddar and fresh jalapeños into an irresistible Southern-style nibble perfect for cocktail hour or snacking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 grams / 2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 small jalapeno, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Butter Preparation: Whip softened butter to a silky smooth texture, then gently fold in shredded cheddar cheese until thoroughly integrated.
- Dough Formation: Blend flour, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika into the butter-cheese mixture, creating a crumbly consistency. Incorporate finely chopped jalapeno peppers, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
- Chilling Process: Shape the dough into two cylindrical logs, each approximately 1.5 inches thick. Wrap securely in plastic and refrigerate for 60 minutes to consolidate flavors and firm the texture.
- Prepping and Slicing: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unwrap chilled logs and slice into delicate 1/4-inch rounds. Arrange shortbread rounds on the prepared sheet with slight spacing between each piece.
- Baking and Cooling: Bake for 15-18 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden hue. Allow cookies to rest momentarily on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to crisp and cool completely.
Notes
Manage Spice Level: Control the heat by removing jalapeno seeds or selecting milder pepper varieties for a gentler flavor profile.
Chill Dough Thoroughly: Ensure complete refrigeration for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading and maintain precise shortbread shape during baking.
Uniform Slice Technique: Use a sharp knife and gentle sawing motion to create consistent 1/4-inch thick rounds for even baking and professional appearance.
Cheese Selection Matters: Opt for high-quality, aged cheddar with sharp flavor to enhance the overall taste and provide robust cheese notes in the shortbread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 198
- Sugar: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 115 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg