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Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread

Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread
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Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread is a flaky, buttery snack combining sharp cheddar cheese with fresh jalapeños for a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and rich flavors. Ideal for parties, casual snacking, or adding a spicy twist to your cheese board, this easy-to-make baked treat features a tender crumb with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and customizable heat levels.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1–2 fresh jalapeños, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Chop: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Finely dice the fresh jalapeños, removing seeds if you prefer less heat. Grate the sharp cheddar cheese and set both aside.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and ground black pepper. Whisk these together to evenly distribute the seasoning throughout the flour.
  3. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Add Cheese and Jalapeños: Fold in the grated cheddar and diced jalapeños gently but thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
  5. Form the Dough: Use your hands to bring the mixture together into a smooth dough. Press it into a disk or roll it out on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness.
  6. Shape and Bake: Cut the dough into squares, rectangles, or use cookie cutters for fun shapes. Place the pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18-22 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
  7. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the shortbread to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Flavors intensify as it cools, making each bite more delightful.

Notes

  • Use cold butter to create a signature flaky texture.
  • Don’t overwork the dough to avoid tough shortbread.
  • Adjust jalapeño quantity to control spiciness.
  • Grate cheese finely for smoother texture.
  • Chill dough before baking to maintain shape and improve flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy, jalapeño, shortbread, savory snack, spicy, appetizer, baked, cheesy snack

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