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Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread

Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread
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Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread is a savory snack combining buttery, crumbly shortbread with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh jalapeños for a perfect balance of rich, tangy, and spicy flavors. This easy-to-make recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and offers a versatile treat ideal for parties, snacks, or pairing with soups and salads.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Dairy & Cheese

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into small cubes)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Vegetables & Spices

  • 2 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed to reduce heat if desired)

Instructions

  1. Prep the ingredients: Finely dice the fresh jalapeños and shred the sharp cheddar cheese. Cut cold unsalted butter into small cubes to prepare for mixing.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper to evenly distribute seasoning.
  3. Cut in the butter: Add cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring a tender, crumbly texture.
  4. Add cheese and jalapeños: Gently fold the shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños into the dough without overworking it to prevent melting the butter.
  5. Form and chill the dough: Gather the dough into a log or disk shape, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up and meld flavors.
  6. Slice and bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove chilled dough and slice into ¼-inch thick pieces. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes until edges turn golden.
  7. Cool and enjoy: Allow shortbread to cool completely on a wire rack before serving to ensure they hold their shape and crisp texture.

Notes

  • Chill dough thoroughly before baking to prevent spreading and maintain shape.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for an intense, rich flavor.
  • Remove jalapeño seeds and membranes to reduce spiciness as desired.
  • Monitor baking time carefully to avoid overbrowning and bitterness.
  • Store finished shortbread in an airtight container to keep them crisp up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread, savory snack, jalapeño crackers, cheddar shortbread, spicy snack, gluten-free snack, party appetizers

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/cheesy-jalapeo-shortbread/