Spicy Cheese Shortbread

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Spicy Cheese Shortbread, a savory twist on a classic treat that's perfect for snacking or entertaining. This easy-to-make recipe combines the sharp tang of freshly grated cheddar cheese with a bold kick of cayenne pepper and smoky paprika for a flavor-packed bite that’s anything but ordinary. With buttery, crumbly perfection, these shortbread crackers are delightfully spiced and can be garnished with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added heat and visual appeal. Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish, these bite-sized delights are ideal for pairing with wine, serving at a dinner party, or enjoying as an afternoon treat. Plus, they store beautifully for up to a week, making them a convenient make-ahead option.

Nutriscore Rating: 48/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 16

Ingredients

• 180 grams All-purpose flour
• 115 grams Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 150 grams Sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 0.5 teaspoons Cayenne pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons Smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 tablespoons Water, cold
• 0.5 teaspoons Optional: Red pepper flakes for garnish

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Using a food processor or a pastry cutter, blend the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4

Add the grated cheddar cheese to the mixture and stir until evenly distributed.

Step 5

Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together enough to form a ball (avoid overmixing).

Step 6

Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thickness.

Step 7

Using a round or shaped cookie cutter, cut out the shortbread and place the pieces on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.

Step 8

Optional: Sprinkle lightly with red pepper flakes for extra spice and color.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 10

Allow the shortbread to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11

Serve warm or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(466.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2080.1

Total Fat 143.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 91.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 411.8mg	0%
Sodium 2165.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 144.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.9g	0%
Total Sugars 0.7g
Protein 57.4g	0%

Vitamin D 88.8IU	0%
Calcium 1127.8mg	0%
Iron 10.0mg	0%
Potassium 437.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 61.5%

Protein: 10.9%

Carbs: 27.5%