Herb-Infused Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread: A Gourmet Herb Cheese Cracker Recipe
When it comes to savory snacks, herb-infused cheesy shortbread is a gourmet treat that is hard to resist. With the perfect combination of herbs, cheese, and a hint of jalapeño, these savory crackers are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a delicious snack, or simply want to impress your taste buds, this recipe is a must-try. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of creating these mouthwatering herb-infused cheesy jalapeño shortbread crackers.
A Personal Twist on a Classic Snack
As a lover of all things cheesy and spicy, I have always been on the lookout for unique recipes that combine these flavors. That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of herb-infused cheesy jalapeño shortbread. By infusing the shortbread dough with a blend of aromatic herbs and adding a kick of jalapeño, I was able to elevate this classic snack to new heights. The result is a crispy, flavorful cracker that pairs perfectly with your favorite dips or can be enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients for Herb-Infused Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano)
– 1 jalapeño, finely diced
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup cold water
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, grated cheddar cheese, softened butter, dried herbs, diced jalapeño, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Gradually add the cold water to the mixture, a little at a time, while continuing to mix. The dough should come together and form a ball. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more water, a teaspoon at a time.
3. Once the dough is formed, divide it into two equal portions and shape each portion into a log. Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Remove the dough logs from the refrigerator and slice them into 1/4 inch thick rounds. Place the rounds onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each cracker.
6. Bake the crackers for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges. Keep a close eye on them as they can quickly go from perfectly crispy to overdone.
7. Once the crackers are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Serve the herb-infused cheesy jalapeño shortbread crackers with your favorite dip or enjoy them on their own as a flavorful snack.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
While this recipe is already delicious as is, you can customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
– For a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño before dicing.
– If you prefer a spicier kick, add an extra jalapeño or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the dough.
– Experiment with different cheese varieties such as Gouda or Parmesan to create unique flavor combinations.
These herb-infused cheesy jalapeño shortbread crackers are perfect on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of dips and spreads. Consider serving them with:
– Creamy herb and garlic dip
– Spicy tomato salsa
– Whipped feta and roasted red pepper spread
– Creamy spinach and artichoke dip
Get creative with your dip choices and let your taste buds guide you to the perfect pairing.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a gourmet snack that combines the flavors of herbs, cheese, and a hint of jalapeño, these herb-infused cheesy jalapeño shortbread crackers are a must-try. With their crispy texture and bold flavors, they are sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want to indulge in a savory treat, this recipe is a winner. Give it a try and discover the irresistible combination of herb-infused cheesy goodness and a spicy kick.
Herb-Infused Cheesy Jalapeño Shortbread
Herb-infused cheesy shortbread crackers with a hint of jalapeño, a gourmet treat that is hard to resist. These savory crackers are perfect for any occasion and can be enjoyed on their own or with your favorite dips.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano)
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup cold water
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, grated cheddar cheese, softened butter, dried herbs, diced jalapeño, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the cold water to the mixture, a little at a time, while continuing to mix. The dough should come together and form a ball. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more water, a teaspoon at a time.
- Once the dough is formed, divide it into two equal portions and shape each portion into a log. Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove the dough logs from the refrigerator and slice them into 1/4 inch thick rounds. Place the rounds onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the crackers for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges.
- Once the crackers are baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve the herb-infused cheesy jalapeño shortbread crackers with your favorite dip or enjoy them on their own as a flavorful snack.
